School delivers on its 100% pass rate promise to Zuma
ONE of the poorest schools in Mdantsane managed to beat the odds by scoring a perfect 100% matric pass rate.
Ulwazi High School is situated in NU2, an area known for criminal activities, but it was the only school in the township to be counted among the best performers in the Eastern Cape.
It has contributed to the East London district’s performance of a 73.1% pass rate, the third best in the province.
Ulwazi’s result is a significant improvement from its 69.2% pass rate in 2011. In 2012 the school recorded 91.7%. During a visit to the school late last year, matriculants promised President Jacob Zuma a 100% pass rate.
Of the 66 candidates who sat for exams, 32 earned university exemption, 24 diploma and 10 were higher certificates.
Principal Nomampondomise Kosani said the pass rate was a result of hard work from both teachers and pupils. Kosani said parents also played a massive role in their success.
“I’ve got a team of young men and women who are so dedicated in their jobs and have sacrificed so much for these children.
“These are teachers who were at school until midnight teaching these children ensuring that they pass.” Kosani said the teachers did so much more.
“They also had to transport these children to clinics when sick. They never got tired and showed their professional conduct throughout.”
A matriculant with a bachelor level certificate, Leletu Tonisi is elated at the schools achievement. “We’ve made history and we are all happy that we have made our parents proud and managed to achieve what we’ve set ourselves to do.”
Another with a university entrance certificate, Yonela Zondwayo, said she was ecstatic at the pass rate.
However, despite their efforts, only a small number will be able to study further due to financial constraints.
Gonubie High, which had its first matric class in 2013, also did well, recording a 98.3% pass rate. The school was hit hard by teacher shortages last year.
Phakamisa Hobongwana, a former MPL in Bhisho and a parent who initiated the building of the new facility, said the Gonubie community applauded the school for its achievement. SGB chairwoman Paula Botya said the school had done well despite the challenges it faced.
“And we want to say to those who did not pass, they must continue and as parents and the community we will support them.”
Another disadvantaged East London school that performed well was Qhamani Senior Secondary School (SSS) (SSS) in Ncerha.
Principal Xolani Makapela said it was “a team effort” that resulted in a 100% pass.
“Despite the challenges of teacher shortages in subjects like accounting and economics we managed with the help of neighbouring schools and interventions made by the department,” Makapela said.
In 2009 the school had no passes. That shot up to 88% in 2010, dropped slightly to 87.5% in 2011 and rose to 90.9% in 2012.
Other schools to register 100% pass rates included Clarendon Girls High, Beaconhurst, Lilyfontein, Stirling and Cambridge.
Selborne College was at 99.3%, Grens High School at 98.9% and George Randell at 98.8%.
In the King William’s Town district, those with 100% pass rates were Hoerskool De Vos Malan, Kingsridge, Kwa-Dliso SSS and Mpumelelo SSS. — msindisif@dispatch.co.za