KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has joined in the jubilation as the province proudly secured second position in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
KwaZulu-Natal achieved an impressive 89.5% pass rate, representing a 3.1% improvement from the previous year, and positions the province as the second-best performing in South Africa, following the Free State.
Ntuli officially announced the 2024 matric results during a prestigious ceremony at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban on Tuesday.
“This is proof that the essential foundation of basic education in KwaZulu-Natal is being laid brick by brick, district by district, school by school, and learner by learner,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said the provincial government was firmly on track towards its 90% target, and he had “no doubt this performance will be surpassed in 2025”.
Of 161 962 learners who sat for the National Senior Certificate exams in the province, 144 990 learners passed, with 84 000 Bachelor passes, which is the highest in the country, marking a significant improvement from 45.7% in 2023 to 52.2% in 2024.
The province also saw an increase in schools achieving a 100% pass rate, from 246 in 2023 to 321 in 2024.
The district performances also showed an impressive growth, with Umkhanyakude leading nationally at 92.8%, followed by Ugu (91.7%) and Umlazi (89.8%).
Ntuli commended the provincial Education Department and MEC Sipho Hlomuka for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
The Premier acknowledged the invaluable contributions of educators, including school governing bodies and organised labour.
Special recognition was given to top achievers and schools, including special and correctional services centres, which achieved a 100% pass rate.
He encouraged the learners who did not pass to enrol for the Second Chance Matric Programme, to improve their results.
“Success is not measured by how many times you fall, but by how many times you rise. Never give up,” the Premier said.
Ntuli further encouraged learners to embrace the evolving job market and equip themselves with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to remain competitive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“You are our future in the making. Grab every opportunity with both hands. KwaZulu-Natal is counting on you to make our province a better place for all.”
Hlomuka commended the matriculants’ perseverance, determination, and commitment.
“The matric class of 2024 commenced their high school journey during the peak of COVID-19 and faced unprecedented challenges, including climate impacts. but they triumphed,” Hlomuka said.
Hlomuka commended uMkhanyakude District for leading with an outstanding 92.8%, as well as teachers in the province for their dedication.
"A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated educators, parents, and stakeholders for their unwavering support. The journey towards educational excellence continues, as we empower future leaders for a brighter tomorrow," Hlomuka said. - SAnews.gov.za
