Can Zim learners write matric without a South African ID? Department explains
· The South African
Zimbabwean learners preparing to write their South African matric examinations do not necessarily need a South African identity document to enter the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The Department of Basic Education has clarified that affected Zimbabwean Grade 12 learners can use other forms of identification, with an affidavit also available for those who do not have identity documents.
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The clarification comes as Zimbabwean learners who left South Africa following the 30 June immigration deadline prepare to return to the country for their 2026 matric examinations.
Zimbabwean matric learners can use other identification
Speaking to CapeTalk, Department of Basic Education spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa said learners do not have to produce a South African ID specifically to write the NSC examinations.
“They would need to have some form of identification. It doesn’t have to be South African,” Vangqa said.
He explained that learners who do not have identification documents can obtain an affidavit from a police station.
This means the absence of a South African identity document does not automatically prevent a Zimbabwean learner from entering the examination room.
What if a matric learner has no identification?
Vangqa said the department’s identification requirements are intended to ensure that the correct learner writes the examination and to prevent examination fraud.
He added that teachers could also assist in confirming the identity of learners who had been attending a school for more than a year.
“If they don’t have this identification then they need to have an affidavit,” Vangqa said, adding that the same approach can apply to South African learners who do not have identity documents for various reasons.
The department therefore does not treat identification as a mechanism for automatically excluding a learner from the examination.
Instead, it is used to positively identify candidates and prevent another person from writing an examination on their behalf.
Zimbabwean matric learners must write exams in SA
The clarification comes as affected Zimbabwean Grade 12 learners prepare to return to South Africa ahead of the October NSC examinations.
Vangqa said there is no provision for the learners to write the South African matric examinations from Zimbabwe.
He explained that the NSC examinations are governed by the South African Schools Act, which applies within South Africa’s borders.
Learners therefore need to be physically present in South Africa to write their examinations.
Exams must be written at accredited centres
Another important requirement is the examination centre where the learners will write.
Vangqa said the centre must be accredited by Umalusi to administer NSC examinations.
This means affected Zimbabwean learners cannot simply choose any school or venue in South Africa to write their final examinations.
The requirement comes as the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Coordinating Committee (ZEPCC) Academy works to facilitate the return of affected Grade 12 learners.
The organisation previously told parents that returning learners would be accommodated at a boarding facility in Johannesburg while preparing for their 2026 examinations.
The number of learners expected to use the arrangement, as well as who will cover the costs of accommodation and other necessities, remains unclear.