Durban: 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 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 ceremony at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban on Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the provincial government is firmly on track towards its 90% target, with Ntuli expressing confidence that 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. This includes 84,000 Bachelor passes, the highest in the country, marking an improvement from 45.7% in 2023 to 52.2% in 2024.
The province also noted an increase in schools achieving a 100% pass rate, from 246 in 2023 to 321 in 2024. District performances showed 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 commitment to academic excellence.
The Premier acknowledged the contributions of educators, school governing bodies, and organized labor. Special recognition was given to top achievers and schools, including special and correctional services centers, which achieved a 100% pass rate. He encouraged learners who did not pass to enroll in the Second Chance Matric Programme to improve their results.
He 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). Hlomuka praised the matriculants’ perseverance, determination, and commitment, noting the challenges they faced during their high school journey.
Hlomuka also commended uMkhanyakude District for leading with an outstanding 92.8% and thanked teachers, parents, and stakeholders for their support, emphasizing the ongoing journey towards educational excellence and empowering future leaders.