By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-01-19 19:56:28
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has praised the stability of the country’s education system based on the consistent improvement in matric results over the past five years. Speaking at KwaZulu-Natal’s 2023 National Senior Certificate results ceremony in Durban, Motshekga highlighted the province’s impressive 86.4% pass rate, the second highest in the country after the Free State. With more than 167,000 learners writing matric, KwaZulu-Natal saw the highest number of candidates.
The Class of 2023 achieved over 72,000 bachelor passes, prompting Minister Motshekga to emphasize the need to shift the focus to Early Childhood Development (ECD). She expressed confidence in the stability of the education system, citing the need for new changes and highlighting the significance of ECD as a means for immense returns. Motshekga also stressed the importance of ensuring that educators are knowledgeable about what to teach and how to teach it before implementing any changes.
Among KwaZulu-Natal’s top matriculants is Olwethu Khumalo, who credited his success to dedicated educators and discipline. Khumalo obtained eight distinctions and plans to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town. He advised future matriculants to study early and work smart, emphasizing the value of a relaxed mind in retaining information.
Imtiaz Bux and his son Mohammed, who attended Durban’s Orient Islamic School, were overjoyed with Mohammed’s A’s and 2 B’s. Imtiaz commended his wife’s support in ensuring their child remained positive and diligent in his studies.
Teacher unions SADTU and NATU also commended the province’s educators for the high pass rate but called on the Department of Education to address concerns regarding working conditions. This includes resolving the non or late payments of financial allocations to schools, addressing the shortage of educators, and improving safety at schools.
Overall, the successful 2023 matric results in KwaZulu-Natal and the Minister’s optimistic outlook on the stability of the education system bode well for the future of South Africa’s education.
Read the original article on SABC-News
