Zimbabwean Grade 12 pupils being brought back to SA to sit 2026 matric exams

According to The Citizen, Grade 12 Zimbabwean pupils who were forced to leave South Africa after the June 30 deadline are being brought back this week to prepare for and write their 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations.

Return organised by ZEPCC Academy

The process is being facilitated by the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Coordinating Committee (ZEPCC) Academy, which has appealed to affected pupils to return to South Africa ahead of the October examinations.

Boarding facility in Johannesburg

“They will be staying at a boarding facility in Johannesburg.”

With the exams only weeks away, displaced pupils face a limited window to return, settle into accommodation and resume preparations.

Who is eligible and where to seek help

The committee has issued an urgent appeal to Grade 12 pupils who are outside South Africa, as well as those who remained in the country but failed to register, were deregistered, missed the June rewrite exams or face intimidation and bullying at schools, to contact ZEPCC Academy for assistance.

Outstanding questions

There is no clarity from the committee on how many pupils will be accommodated at the Johannesburg facility, who will cover costs such as meals and basic necessities, how many are expected to travel from Zimbabwe and how many are already in South Africa.

Scale of displacement

The Citizen reports that at least 35 000 children returned to Zimbabwe with their parents between May and September.

The return initiative comes after reports that thousands of Zimbabwean pupils faced disruptions to their education when families left South Africa following immigration tensions and the June 30 deadline.