Overview
- The National Senior Certificate runs from 21 October to 27 November 2025, with the Department of Basic Education declaring all nine provinces ready.
- Security protocols include classified printing and storage, GPS-tracked distribution with no overnight transit, and a 24/7 hotline to report suspicious activity.
- High-risk centres with histories of irregularities will have permanent external invigilators, with 6,376 public and 579 independent schools designated as sites following risk audits.
- Umalusi’s audit confirms overall integrity despite shortages of markers in selected subjects, with recruitment and scheduling adjustments planned to close gaps before marking begins.
- SADTU urges communities to avoid disruptions and prevent paper leaks, as provinces activate contingency plans for load shedding, water outages, severe weather and protest action.