Newspaper clipping – iol on line – 24 February 2010

KZN sets matric pass target

The KwaZulu-Natal government has set itself an ambitious target of 80 percent matric pass rate by 2014.
“While it will be expected that the matric pass rate should substantially increase in 2010, ideally KwaZulu-Natal must reach 80 percent by 2014, “ said Premier Zweli Mkhize.

He was speaking during the state of the province address in Pietermaritzburg’s Royal Show Grounds on Wednesday afternoon. KwaZulu-Natal improved its pass rate by 3,5 percent from 57,6 percent in 2008 to 61,1 percent in 2009. Of the 132 176 KwaZulu-Natal pupils who wrote the examinations, 80 733 passed and 26 287 qualified to study at university.
“The level of commitment and dedication I observed during our school visits has convinced me that with adequate support, our province will be respected for the high quality of education,” said Mkhize.

He said the province would implement the ten-point plan, which included building more classrooms, libraries and laboratories. - Sapa