KZN schools excel despite several challenges

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education said that some of the best-performing schools in the province also faced the most challenges.

KZN was named the best province in the 2025 National Senior Certificate results after achieving the top spot nationwide with a pass rate of 90.6%.

The province announced its results at a ceremony in Durban on Tuesday where all districts received awards.

Last year, a number of schools in KwaZulu-Natal faced various challenges, including a lack of norms and standards funding - the money allocated to schools for their daily operations.

This led to week-long protests by teachers and unions.

In some districts, schools were affected by adverse weather conditions and ageing infrastructure.

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka addressed the gathering.

“This quality comes from schools facing infrastructure challenges in various districts of the province, and from schools that lacked resources in many areas. Despite limited resources, our educators and learners remained committed and produced the results we are celebrating today.”

Hlomuka committed that the department will work to maintain its current performance levels,for the class of 2026.

Deputy Basic Education Minister Reginah Mhaule, also weighed in, noting that the lack of resources at schools cannot be used as an excuse for poor performance.

She said that with the province obtained a 90.6 percent matric pass rate, despite a lack of resources is an example.

The deputy minister also admitted that the department is aware of the challenges, but did not mention any interventions.

“Other provinces will say they have minimal resources, you don’t have resources, and you cannot now come and complain about not having resources, saying you did not perform because of that - we know you don’t have, we know that the province is operating with big gaps, including in schools. Teachers are not appointed; grade R teachers are not paid , we know.”

She has also urged the provincial government to unite in addressing issues facing the education sector.