Polokwane - Limpopo Education MEC Dickson Masemola says he is satisfied with the increase in Limpopo's matric pass rate from 63.9% in 2011 to 66.9% in 2012.
Although the province did not meet its target of a 70% matric pass rate, Masemola said they were well on their way to achieving their goal.
''In fact, we have geared ourselves for high performance and we are almost there...'' he said at a matric results media briefing in Polokwane on Thursday.
Masemola said since he took office in 2009, matric results have improved from 48.9% to 57.9% in 2010, 63.9% in 2011 and 66.9% in 2012.
Of the 77 360 pupils who sat for the final exams, 51 745 passed. Of these, 15 324 qualify for university entrance.
Masemola said the province has done well in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Fifteen of the top 27 achievers for 2012 also come from the province.
''This ... demonstrates that we are a province of excellence in these gateway subjects. We are committing ourselves to work even harder to retain this status,'' said Masemola.
The improved results also indicated that the late delivery of textbooks last year did not affect matrics, as the delay pertained to grades 1, 2, 3 and 10.
Speaking at the national release of the results on Wednesday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga also noted the province's improved performance.
"Teaching and learning in Grade 12 wasn't affected,'' said Motshekga. She, however, acknowledged that the delays were unfortunate and should not have happened. - SAnews.gov.za
