Umzinyathi District celebrates 73,1% matric pass rate
Umzinyathi District pass rate has improved tremendously since 2015 when we reached 47%. In 2016 we achieved 56%, last year we reached 65% and the class of 2018 reached an amazing 73.1 % pass rate.
The first of many Mayoral matric excellence awards took place in the Moth Hall on January 18.
A total of 20 students from different schools within Umzinyathi District were recognised for their hard work during their matric exams. Mayor Petrus Ngubane of Umzinyathi District excitedly congratulated the different stakeholders in reaching the 73.1 % pass rate in the district saying that, “If it were not for the parents, the principals, the school governing bodies, the teachers and learners we would not have reached this year’s pass rate. Compared to the 2017 pass rate of 65.9%, there has been a great improvement indeed”.
Mayor Ngubane also highlighted the importance of having such functions to award those learners who have flown the district flag up high. JC Xaba, the Deputy Chief Director of Umzinyathi Department of Education, was very proud of how the district has performed over the past five years. He said: “It gives me great pleasure to be standing here surrounded by learners who are part of this years pass rate. Well done boys and girls. Umzinyathi District pass rate has improved tremendously since 2015 when we reached 47%. In 2016 we achieved 56%, last year we reached 65% and the class of 2018 reached an amazing 73.1 % pass rate. Bearing this in mind, I trust that the class of 2019 will reach an 80% pass rate.”
Karl Thom (18), a matriculant from Dundee High School achieved 8 A’s in English, Maths, Physical Science, Economics, Business Economics, Afrikaans, Accounting and Life Orientation. (See interview with Karl in adjacent article.)
Chief MPM Mazibuko, Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, thanked all the teachers and parents who have worked hand-in-hand with the schools over the years. He advised the former matriculants to never forget where they come from and to never sideline their dreams when they face obstacles at universities. Chief Mazibuko also touched on a very sensitive issue of the recent abuse teachers receive from their learners at schools, exclaiming that: “We have all seen footage of teachers being assaulted by school children. As parents, we should not allow such misconduct to happen at schools. Teachers should build a strong foundation with parents and it should also be a transparent relationship where parents also play their role in disciplining their children”.
