THE KZN Executive Council has expressed its optimism that the 2019 matric examinations will go smoothly.

Speaking at a meeting in Pietermaritzburg to assess progress, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said he was happy with the detailed report received by the Executive Council on the state of readiness for the exams.

‘On behalf of the provincial government, we wish to thank the Department of Basic Education in the province for conducting thorough preparations for exams.

‘We have witnessed the commitment and hard work of the department and its stakeholders throughout the year.

‘We are confident that our learners will do well and grasp opportunities for further development,’ he said.

The Executive Council also discussed some key governance matters, such as driving the district development model.