KZN Premier Ntuli hails outstanding matric results as proof of GPU impact

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has congratulated the Class of 2025 after KZN emerged as the top-performing province in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, achieving an impressive 90.6% pass rate.

The results mark a 1.1 percentage point improvement from the previous year and are seen as a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen education outcomes.

In a statement, Premier Ntuli attributed the achievement to strong collaboration across the education sector, including educators, unions, learners, parents, school governing bodies, the Department of Education and the Executive Council.

He said the results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). The GPU is facing an uncertain future after the National Freedom Party (NFP) pulled out of the coalition government. The NFP's one seat in the KZN Legislature have given the GPU enough seats for a majority.

Ntuli said: “These results reflect what is possible when we work together with a shared vision and purpose. The success of the Class of 2025 is a testament to disciplined leadership, committed educators, resilient learners, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.”

He further praised teachers for their dedication under challenging conditions, parents and guardians for their continued support, and learners for their perseverance and discipline throughout the academic year.

The Premier also paid tribute to the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council for its collective leadership, particularly its decision to provide financial support to the Department of Education during a period of fiscal pressure. He noted that this intervention helped stabilise the education system and ensured that teaching and learning were not disrupted.

Among the key areas of support highlighted was assistance with the payment of Norms and Standards to schools, which are essential for the day-to-day functioning of public schools and for creating a conducive learning environment.

“Recognising the central role of education in the development of our province, members of the Executive Council, through the spirit of collectivism, agreed that different departments would make financial contributions to support the Department of Education in addressing some of its financial challenges. This is a clear demonstration of the GPU at work, where collective responsibility and shared purpose translate into tangible outcomes for our people,” said Ntuli.

Looking ahead, the KwaZulu-Natal government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and improving these gains by strengthening teaching and learning, investing in school infrastructure and providing targeted support to underperforming schools to ensure inclusive, quality education for all learners.

THE MERCURY