The Class of 2026 officially commenced the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Tuesday, with a record-breaking 962 832 candidates registered nationwide, and the exams are scheduled to conclude on November 26.

Political parties and government officials united in wishing the learners well while simultaneously highlighting critical challenges remaining within South Africa's education landscape.

Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa described the examinations as a major milestone, representing the culmination of 13 years of learning, preparation and personal growth.

"Government acknowledges the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of learners, educators, parents, and guardians throughout the academic year," Mnukwa said.

She encouraged candidates to remain calm, manage their time effectively, follow their timetables closely, and approach each paper with confidence.

While messages of support poured in from across the political spectrum, the commencement of the exams also sparked intense debate regarding systemic drop-out rates and higher education readiness.

DA spokesperson on Basic Education Eleanore Bouw-Spies offered words of motivation to those entering the exam rooms.

"We know that the pressure can be overwhelming, but we encourage every learner to stay focused, believe in themselves, and give each exam their best effort," she stated.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa reflected on past successes, noting that the Class of 2025 achieved a historic record national pass rate of 88%, with KwaZulu-Natal leading strongly at 90.8%.

While expressing confidence that the Class of 2026 would build on this excellence, Hlengwa issued a strict warning against misconduct.

"Acts such as group copying and other forms of cheating undermine the credibility of the National Senior Certificate," he said, calling on authorities to ensure fair and consistent exam administration across the provinces.

The EFF blended encouragement with sharp systemic criticism.

While telling learners not to allow anxiety to creep in, the party demanded that the country confront an uncomfortable reality: the high volume of students lost along the way.

Statistics show that nearly half a million children who entered Grade 1 in 2014 dropped out before reaching their matric year in 2025, primarily between Grades 10 and 12.

The EFF rejected assertions that dropping out is caused by a lack of discipline.

"Education must not become a privilege reserved for children whose families can afford the costs associated with learning," the party stated, emphasising the State's responsibility to provide quality infrastructure, dignified sanitation, and adequate nutrition.

Anticipating a high success rate, the SACP looked toward the next step for these matriculants and urged universities and colleges to prepare for a heavy influx of applicants.

"We call upon institutions of higher learning to begin preparations in earnest to accept those learners who will qualify," the SACP noted.

The party also explicitly urged the leadership of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to efficiently process funding, emphasising that technical and vocational education and training colleges must be prioritised alongside traditional universities.