KZN Education MEC launches intervention for underperforming schools

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has had to step in to host senior management officials to deal with the issue of the schools achieving 50% and below in Zululand and King Cetshwayo District.

The meeting was held in Ulundi on Monday to find solutions to the poor performance in last year's matric exams.

This meeting was convened to develop intervention strategies aimed to improve academic performance following a number of schools in this area failing to perform at 70% and above.

In his address, Hlomuka emphasised the importance of community involvement in school management. He asserted that collaborative efforts represent the most effective approach to managing schools and that the community must safeguard these institutions.

"This gathering aims to assist schools that achieved 50% to move from underperforming to performing well, ensuring that the Department meets its target of 95%," said Hlomuka.

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Furthermore, he stressed the crucial role of district support in providing necessary interventions and encouraged principals to actively participate in school administration.

Over 10 schools from both districts attended the meeting, which was held at James Nxumalo Agriculture High School in Ulundi, an institution that achieved a 100% pass rate under the leadership of principal Mzwakhe Dube.

Principals were given the opportunity to present status reports for their respective schools and outline challenges encountered, thereby enabling targeted support. Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo concluded by stating that the session aimed to ensure targeted schools receive support in their areas of challenge, facilitating performance improvement.

Ngcobo also underscored the significance of the gathering in assisting schools that achieved 50% to transition from underperformance to high achievement, enabling the department to meet its 95% target. 

"We want schools to fulfil their responsibilities while the department also plays its part in achieving a common goal," Ngcobo added.

The Zululand District's matric class of 2024 recorded an 89% pass rate, reflecting a 2.3% improvement from the previous year, while King Cetshwayo recorded 84.2%. Within these figures are schools specifically targeted by the Department of Education for intervention.

The KwaZulu-Natal province achieved a notable milestone in the 2024 National Senior Certificate examinations, recording an 89.5% pass rate, a substantial increase from the 86.4% pass rate in 2023. This achievement positioned KwaZulu-Natal as the second best-performing province in South Africa, following the Free State's 91.0% pass rate.

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