Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has revealed that the province was targeting a 90% minimum pass rate for the matric class of 2024.
Hlomuka was addressing the media on the province’s readiness for the upcoming 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations at Westville High Boys in Durban, on Wednesday.
He said KZN will facilitate examinations for a staggering 172 433 full-time candidates and 18,019 part-time candidates, consolidating its position as the largest examination system in South Africa.
Looking back on the province's achievements, Hlomuka noted that KwaZulu-Natal secured the second-best results nationally in 2023. He emphasised that the goal for 2024 is set even higher, with a minimum pass rate of 90% in sight and a bold target of achieving 100%.
“As a province, we always say that our aim and target is to pass all candidates who sit for the final exam, thereby obtaining 100% performance.
“The reality though, is that there are other factors, which sometimes make it difficult to pass all our learners in the system, hence we say, if we regrettably do not attain 100%, we need to ensure that we do not obtain less than 90%, which will still be a great improvement from the 2023 National Senior Certificate Examinations Results.
“We are striving to ensure that every candidate who sits for the final exams passes,” he said.
In preparation for the marking process, 32 marking centres have been set up with 7 614 markers, including senior markers and moderators, all scheduled to begin their important work on December 1, 2024.
Security measures at high-risk marking centres, such as those in the Ilembe District, have been significantly reinforced to protect the integrity of the examination process.
Hlomuka further said to ensure seamless operation, the province has mobilised extensive resources, deploying 6 343 invigilators across an impressive 6,710 examination rooms. The logistical challenge of distributing examination materials has been strategically organised through 13 nodal points and 103 distribution centres.
A vast array of 120 different question papers will be printed, amounting to over 30 million prints during the examination period, showcasing the scale of this educational endeavour.
Exam Chief Director Ray Penniston said to ensure that credibility is maintained at all times they have boosted security at high-risk marking centres such as Ilembe District.
The MEC highlighted several initiatives that were established throughout the year to bolster learner performance, including the implementation of the 2024 Academic Improvement Plan and targeted interventions such as Winter and Spring Boot Camps.
He said programmes were designed to enhance student preparedness and elevate performance in critical subjects.
“We have left no stone unturned to ensure that our learners are fully prepared for these exams,” said Hlomuka.
Hlomuka also expressed his gratitude to educators, government officials, and all stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to supporting the learners.
He made a compelling appeal to the public to rally behind the Class of 2024 as they prepare for this critical transition in their academic journeys.
Results from the NSC examinations will be released on January 16, 2025, marking the culmination of months of intense preparation, hard work, and determination.
In case of inclement weather, SAPS and SANDF services are on standby to assist with distributing and collecting examination scripts. The Department of Education has also hired four-wheel-drive vehicles to use in case of challenges mentioned above.
The high-risk centre' were listed as well:
- Amajuba 01
- Pinetown 11
- Harry Gwala 4
- Umkhanyakude 6
- Uthukela 6
- Umzinyathi 19
- uMlazi 19
- Zululand 8
- King Cetshwayo 8
- Ugu 7
- Ilembe 7
- Umgungundlovu 18
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