KZN aims for 80% in 2019 matric exams
KwaZulu-Natal's Education Department is setting its sights high this year. It is aiming for a provincial matric pass rate of more than 80%.
"We commit ourselves that this year we will break the 80% threshold and be counted amongst the best," MEC Mthandeni Dlungwana said at the provincial results release, at Durban's ICC, on Friday.
For the past three years, KZN's pass rate has remained on an upward trajectory and in 2018, it peaked at 76.2%.
But the MEC says this is no time for his department to rest on its laurels,
"Our level of readiness for the new school year is proof enough that we are determined to make the province proud. We are fully confident that 2019 will be our year and we will not allow anything to interfere with our determination".
Meanwhile, KZN's top matriculant, Jarrod Staples, says he is proud of himself but that his achievement is yet to sink in.
The former Westville Boy’s High School pupil was announced as the province’s top candidate during Friday's event.
He wants to be a chemical engineer.
"You have goals and things you want to achieve during the year but you can't expect this, because you never know how your exams are going to go," he says, "Just to be able to achieve a top ten finish is a really excellent achievement".
Jarrod's also thanked his parents and teachers for their support throughout his matric year.