By Lwazi Raul & Sydney Masinga
Hazyview - Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has congratulated the provincial Education Department for improving the matric pass rate from 70% in 2012 to 77.6% in 2013.
Announcing the results in Hazyview on Tuesday, Mabuza said he made Education MEC Reginah Mhaule sign a pledge in 2010 promising to deliver better results.
“I had her sign a pledge promising that she will make the province proud and make the education system shine. That is why I am saying gone are those days when people called Mpumalanga Mamparalanga. Today, Mamparalanga is on top and shining," he said.
The premier said he was pleased with how MEC Mhaule and head of department (HOD) Mahlasedi Mhlabane were leading the department.
"I...fought with them to produce the best, that is why we are where we are today,” he said.
Mhaule said she was happy to serve the province since her appointment in 2010.
The province's pass rate has improved significantly since 2009, when it obtained a dismal 47.9%. In 2010, it achieved 56.8%, in 2011 it achieved 64.8% and in 2012 it achieved 70%.
“I have played my part. The pledge that I signed that I will improve teaching and learning in the province has once again been met. Today, I stand with pride to announce that the province has a pass rate of 77.6% pass rate...," said Mhaule. – SAnews.gov.za
