KZN celebrates matric victory and its bright stars
Improved results and multiple districts in the national top 10 marked a standout year for education in the province.
THE pride and vibrancy of KwaZulu-Natal was on full display at the Durban ICC on Tuesday as the province’s top matriculants were celebrated by the Department of Education which was also celebrating claiming top spot in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
KZN toppled Free State to take first position with a pass rate of 90.6%, an increase of 1.1% from the Class of 2024’s 89.5%. A delighted MEC of Education, Sipho Hlomuka, said that the praise belonged to the learners, parents and the educators who ensured the success of the Class of 2025.
“Out of all the districts in the province, there is no school that got 0%. Nationally we have six districts in the top 10,” said a proud Hlomuka. “This would not have been possible without your determination and dedication. To the Class of 2025, congratulations. You have now been equipped with the tools to fight poverty. Go out there and make us proud.”
His sentiments were shared by Premier Thami Ntuli who said, “We are witnessing a legacy of breaking the cycle of poverty.
Also Read: Hard work pays off for Open Air and Holy Family matrics
“These results reflect what is possible when we work together with a shared vision and purpose. The success of the Class of 2025 is a testament to disciplined leadership, committed educators, resilient learners, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders,” said the premier.
He said that education and results are more than about the pass rate. “We have to ensure that no learner is left behind. We can’t ignore the challenges faced by the sector which limit the full potential of learning.”
Top learner in the province was Ethan Neil Naicker from Port Shepstone Secondary School who was followed by Northwood High’s Kuo-Kung Wang in second place, with Cayden Packreeappen of Verulam Secondary rounding up the top three. Ridge Park College’s Hafsa Mansab ranked 10th in the province.
Open Air’s Slindokuhle Nxumalo was named Top Learner in the Special School category. From George Campbell Technical High School, Raheem Cassim took the position of top learner in Civil Technology: Digital Systems and Yash Ramnarayan was recognised for Civil Technology: Civil Services.
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