Join the movement: Premier Thami Ntuli calls for private sector investment in education

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has issued a strong invitation to the private sector to invest in the province's education and infrastructure, following the announcement of a record-breaking 90.6% pass rate for the province's 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Speaking at the provincial results release held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Tuesday, Premier Ntuli celebrated the province’s achievement of securing the number one performing spot in the country.

The minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, also announced a historic national overall pass rate of 88% for the class of 2025 on Monday.

“This achievement marks an important milestone for KZN and a new era in the journey of education,” Ntuli told the audience, which included the province’s top-achieving pupils being celebrated.

He credited the success to a collective effort, stating: “These outstanding results are not a matter of chance; they stem from the hard work, resilience, and united commitment demonstrated by our pupils, educators, school leadership, parents, and the Department of Education.”

Ntuli acknowledged the difficult circumstances many students overcame.

“In a context often characterised by socio-economic hardship, our learners have demonstrated discipline, courage, and determination to succeed against all odds,” he said.

However, the premier was candid about the persistent challenges facing the education sector, particularly school infrastructure.

“While we celebrate progress, we must remain honest about the realities that can affect our schools and learners on a daily basis,” Ntuli cautioned.

“Too many learners still attend schools that are overcrowded, under-resourced or in need of urgent maintenance. These conditions place pressure on both learners and educators and limit the full potential of teaching and learning,” he said.

To address these needs, the premier called for financial support.

While thanking existing contributors, he issued a direct appeal: “I wish to further invite the private sector to invest in the education of our nation, to invest in the infrastructure of our nation.”

Ntuli stressed that education goes beyond examination figures. “While examination results are important, education is about more than pass rates. It is about dignity, safety, nourishment, support, and creating an environment where every child can thrive academically and socially,” he added.

In his closing remarks, the premier affirmed the government's renewed commitment to tackling issues such as gender-based violence, security, and teenage pregnancy in schools.

“The success we celebrate today must inspire us to work even harder to build an inclusive, safe, and caring education system that leaves no learner behind,” Ntuli stated.

karen.singh@inl.co.za