Durban - Little tweaks in the KwaZulu-Natal education budget have yielded some positive results - including an improved maths pass rate.
In 2008, the pass rate for maths sat at 44.11 percent. It has jumped to 47 percent in 2010.
According to KZN Education Department Superintendent-General, Simon Mbokazi, part of the department's skills budget was used to improve 400 educators' qualifications.
These 400 educators received advanced certificates in mathematics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Mbokazi said this was one factor that resulted in improved mathematics results.
All 12 districts in KwaZulu-Natal have achieved pass rates of 60 percent and higher.
This is a result that impressed KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize, who said it was a lovely feeling to see the province improve their matric results and contribute to the higher national pass rate.
"KZN has not disappointed South Africa. We are very proud and KZN has done a very good job," said Mkhize.
Although Mkhize was pleased to see an improvement in maths and physical science, he still raised concern that the maths pass rate was under 50 percent.
"The maths results have improved, but is still not good enough but (Education MEC) Senzo Mchunu told me he has some plans up his sleeve to improve the results," said Mkhize.
The physical science pass rate in KZN was 50.41 percent.
Other subjects in which learners performed well included agricultural management practices, life orientation, hospitality studies and isiXhosa and isiZulu home languages.
At the beginning of last year, Mkhize wanted the province to reach an 80 percent pass rate by 2014.
He said that with the 2010 results, he was now encouraged that the province would reach this target much sooner than expected.
While most of the focus has been placed on high achieving learners, he urged those who did not pass matric to not give up.
"It's always sad to hear one child contemplate suicide because they were left behind. There are so many needs that society has and they don't always require matric qualifications. But for those who didn't achieve, there is tomorrow," said the Premier.
