Free State matriculants tackle first NSC exam paper

More than 3 000 candidates in the Free State are writing their first paper, Computer Applications Technology, as the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations kick off.

Free State Education MEC Dr Mamiki Maboya is monitoring the commencement of the examinations at Brebner Secondary School in Bloemfontein.

WATCH | Free State Education MEC Dr MJ Maboya says the province is fully prepared to conduct and administer the matric examinations, with a target pass rate of 95%.

More than 41,000 full-time candidates have registered to sit for the National Senior Certificate examinations. https://t.co/O6u9xxEA4i — SABC News (@SABCNews) October 12, 2026 Matriculant Zintle Maselwa says she is nervous as 12 years of schooling lead to this crucial moment, but remains determined to overcome her anxiety and achieve good results.

“I am feeling quite nervous knowing that everything I’ve worked for, like, my whole entire 12 years, comes down to this moment.

But what I want to achieve is something to look back on and be like, those 12 years weren’t a waste of time.

So I feel like I can’t be overcome by this anxiety, knowing well I’ve been doing this for 12 years.

So what’s another what, a month? I can do it.” VIDEO | Free State ready for 2026 Matric Exams: Education MEC Dr MJ Maboya