National Senior Certificate matric results: KwaThintwa School for the Deaf learners take top 3 subject spots nationally

The school situated in Inchanga is home to 365 learners, the majority of which stay in the school hostel. Most of the learners hail from KwaZulu-Natal and the outskirts of the province. KwaThintwa School follows the mainstream curriculum which means that their learners write the same National Senior Certificate exams as any other school.

One of the top learners, Luthuli, lives in Adams Mission in Pietermaritzburg.

She was the 2022 Head Girl and said she worked very hard throughout the past few months to excel. She said her biggest challenge during her matric year was the load-shedding. “It made it very difficult to study and do homework. I’m emotional and honoured to receive a ministerial award for South African Sign Language (my home language).

“This award has given me the confidence to succeed in my dreams.”

ALSO READ: Deaf school stays on top of its game

She said her goal is to be a teacher and to be able to provide a better life for her family, especially her parents who have made countless sacrifices to ensure that she receives a good education.

“I want the world to know that Deaf people can do just about anything they set their mind to,” she said.

Iloka, who hails from Mbali, also in Pietermaritzburg, said he and his siblings were raised by their mother who is a single parent.

Iloka said he faced many challenges growing up. “I barely had any confidence in myself and often got frustrated easily. I try my best to make my family proud. I have always strived to succeed academically.”

He said his grandfather referred to him as the ‘computer guy’ which was a big deal for him as the elderly think you are the most intelligent if you can work a computer.

“My favourite subjects are maths, English and South African Sign Language. My role model would have to be my Sign Language teacher – she has inspired me and always pushed me to work hard even when I felt like I had reached my limits.

“All of my matric teachers played a role in my success; they spent so much of their time motivating us and never giving up on the class of 2022.”

He added that his hopes are to study education or law.

Principal of the school Dr Mavis Naidoo said this is a phenomenal achievement for KwaThintwa School for the Deaf and Deaf education as a whole.

“Since the recognition of South African Sign Language as a home language, our learners have maintained the Top 3 positions nationally. These attainments can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the teachers and all staff members at KwaThintwa School.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.