Zululand schools show improved results
ZULULAND schools showed a significant improvement in the 2017 matric results.
Despite the urbanrural divide, lack of basic necessities such as electricity and running water in many schools, uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo and Ilembe districts showed much better results compared to 2016.
The 2017 NSC pass rate was 75.1% with progressed learners, and 76.5% without progressed pupils - up by 0.3% from 76.2% in 2016.
Overall, all 12 districts in KZN fared better than in the 2016 National Senior Certificate results.
The most improved district was Ilembe with an improvement of 12.49%, while the Zululand District remained the worst performing.
Umkhanyakude District scored a 77.01% pass rate, showing a 7.84% improvement compared to 2016 and ranking third highest performing district in the province.
The King Cetshwayo District posted a 71.64% pass rate – an 8.22% increase on the previous year.
According to King Cetshwayo District Education Director, David Chonco, more than 93 schools, especially those in rural areas, showed major improvement.
‘Schools did their part and there have been more Admission to Bachelor and Diploma passes. We acknowledge the efforts of principals and teachers for working hard throughout the year,’ he said.
‘Teachers conducted extra classes as well as weekend and night study sessions and their efforts paid off. They were living and breathing the curriculum, making sure it was completed and that every learner was ready for the final examinations.
‘The support of institutions such as the University of Zululand who adopted some of the schools truly made a difference and contributed to the improved results,’ he said.
Chonco acknowledged the support of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini and local municipalities such as the City of uMhlathuze, for willingly providing community halls for pupils’ study sessions.
‘We also thank the cooperation of unions and local communities for their support,’ said Chonco.
Top district achievers
Taking the first position in the district was eShowe High School pupil Sukoluhle Ngwane with seven distinctions.
Rising from the clutches of poverty, Zululand’s rural pupils also proved that sparse resources are not limiting when it comes to academic success.
Pupils from impoverished areas produced sterling results with Sphile Ntuli from Velangaye Comprehensive High School in Nkandla taking the second position in the district, Lethukuthula Khumalo of Bizimali High School taking third position and Londeka Ntshembeni from Dlangezwa High School placing in fourth position.
Mareli Swart from Empangeni High School was placed fifth.
Despite the great improvement, Chonco acknowledged that more can be achieved, saying in the 2018 academic year his department will ensure no disturbance in schools and all study material being available to ensure all pupils obtain great results.