‘We are moving in the right direction’: Premier Saul praises matric success

DURING a press briefing on the provincial matric results at Taberna Dei in Kimberley on Tuesday, January 14, Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul applauded the Class of 2024 for their improved pass rate 84.2%.

Saul said that the results are a testament to the Province’s progress towards excellence and that even greater achievements lie ahead.

Although the Northern Cape recorded the lowest pass rate nationally, Saul stated that the Province can still hold its head high, as it has improved its results by more than 8% compared to 2023.

“In 2022, the gap in the overall pass rate between the Northern Cape and the Free State was 17%. In 2023, the difference decreased to 14%. In 2024, that gap has shrunk to less than 7%. The Free State achieved a 91% pass rate, while the Northern Cape secured 84.2%. We have narrowed the gap from 17% to 7%, and that is a great achievement,” said Saul.

“Last year, we developed a comprehensive deployment plan to assist schools in our Province. Our collective efforts have yielded positive results.

“In 2024, we registered the highest number of learners. That means there is an improvement in access to education. Last year, we also had the best audit outcomes. That means there is improvement in accountability and leadership.

“We have also managed to create 27,000 jobs in 2024 and today we celebrate matric outcomes that are the best in almost 20 years. This means we are moving in the right direction as a Province.”