Ugu is runner-up in matric exams in KZN
The Department of Education's district director, Mfundi Sibiya said they are happy with the results.
Umkhanyakude District snatched the number one spot from Ugu District in KZN, in the 2023 National Senior Certificate examinations.
Ugu had led in the province for four consecutive years. Umkhanyakude achieved a 90% pass rate and Ugu 89.5%.
The Department of Education’s district director, Mfundi Sibiya said they are happy with the results because they had a target, they not only reached it, but went beyond it.
“We have also noticed that Ugu has become a motivation for others. Other districts asked us for advice and we advised them and they also did well, so we are happy and proud of ourselves.”
Sibiya emphasised that learners had suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic, and had to work extra hard as they had missed out on school for a long period.
The KZN chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee, Sifiso Sonjica congratulated the matric class of 2023.
“We acknowledge the dedication and the commitment of both teachers and learners as they demonstrated that hard work and patience, yield positive results at all times.”
Sonjica appealed to the department and communities at large to do all they can to provide support to those who have not made it.
“They must know that there are other available areas to explore, and that TVET colleges are providing technical skills and knowledge needed for one to contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. We are equally concerned about the disasters that ravage our communities and leave destruction of homes, schools and infrastructure in our towns and cities. We hope that the education department will speedily provide resources to rebuild the school infrastructure, so that teaching and learning remains on track.”
Also, the Portfolio Committee is set to embark on School Functionality Programme, to assess the status of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in the province.
Sonjica said that the sector is still characterised by inequalities emanating from family socio-economic status and geographic location despite funding and government policies that are there to support the ECD.
He said it’s important for the Legislature to undertake a comprehensive oversight programme to assess the state of ECD, so they can provide necessary support to the programme.
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