The KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) parties are walking tall after the province finally took number one spot in the country’s matric results.
The province reverberated into massive celebrations after Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube announced on Monday night that the province surpassed Free State to become the top matric producer in the country. Out of 178 000 pupils that sat for examination last year, 155 000 passed giving the province a 1% increase from 89.5 in 2024 to % 90.6%.
Reacting to the results, the IFP, the leader of the GPU stated that an impressive pass rate of 90.6% underscored the dedication and hard work of learners, educators, and school communities across the province.
In a statement issued by the party, it stated that the results reflect the resilience, discipline, and determination of learners and educators who persevered despite significant systemic challenges. The party particularly welcomed the increase in Bachelor passes, which signals encouraging progress within the basic education sector.
“The class of 2025 confronted numerous obstacles, including delays in the payment of school norms and standards, as well as the late or inadequate provision of essential learning materials. Notwithstanding these challenges, learners demonstrated remarkable perseverance and commitment to their academic goals.
The IFP commends educators, school administrators, parents, and guardians for their unwavering support and professionalism in sustaining teaching and learning under difficult circumstances. Their dedication remains central to unlocking the potential of South Africa’s youth and shaping future leaders,” read the statement.
Another GPU partner, the DA described the province’s top performance as a remarkable achievement and a moment of immense pride
The DA concurred with the IFP that these results reflect the resilience, discipline and determination of learners, as well as the unwavering commitment of teachers, principals and education support staff who worked tirelessly to ensure learner success under challenging conditions including delayed or non-payment of norms and standards funding to schools.
The DA further congratulated uMkhanyakude District for its outstanding performance, having ranked second nationally.
“This achievement is particularly significant given the deep rural context of the district. It also demonstrates what is possible when dedication and perseverance are matched with focused effort at school and district level,” read the statement
However, the party expressed its concerns about the performance of several provincial special needs schools. It stated that pupils with special educational needs deserve tailored support, consistent resources and focused interventions to ensure they are not left behind. This remains an area requiring urgent attention.
The DA called provincial Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka to build on this success by addressing the remaining gaps – particularly within special needs schools – and by ensuring that funding, learner support programmes and school nutrition systems are stabilised to sustain and improve performance going forward.
Adding its voice, the ANC provincial leadership also congratulated the province, describing the performance as a historic milestone. The party said that the achievement was despite dealing with historical underfunding of the Education department.
Umkhonto Wesizwe Party in the province described the performance as a rebellion against the GPU which the party said failed to deliver basic services.
“This is not just excellence; it is rebellion against neglect from the so-called GPU that fails to deliver basic services,” said the party.
