KZN ‘making progress’ in boosting matric pass rate

He says the department has been working to improve poor academic performance at schools with pass rates below 70%.

"We are forging ahead with the implementation of our provincial academic improvement plan whose pillars seek to improve the bachelor passes, eliminate certificate passes, eliminate zero per cent schools and schools achieving below 70 per cent. We want to achieve and maintain the above 60% rate of gateway subjects."

The MEC spoke during debates on the Budget Vote on Basic Education at the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday.

He announced plans to open two new schools in KZN equipped with advanced learning technology, adding that the goal is to prepare learners for a digital future.

"In 2026, we will open two schools. One of the schools that will be opened [is] in Newcastle which [will] deal with engineering and technology, as well as the maritime school in eThekwini."