Maphumulo’s Fanelesibonge Ngema (18) of Vukile High School is the second best physical science pupil in the country and the top matriculant in the iLembe district.
She was also recognised as one of the top mathematics pupils in the province.
The determined pupil achieved eight distinctions across all her subjects: English, IsiZulu, life sciences, physical science, mathematics, life orientation and geography. She now aims to study
medicine, with hopes of attending the University of Cape Town.
“There’s no magic; it all comes down to discipline and setting your priorities. Whenever my friends invited me to events, I would gladly decline if they interfered with my study routine. Schoolwork always came first,” said Ngema.
Despite her success, she faced significant challenges, particularly the frequent power outages in Maphumulo.
She said they sometimes went without electricity for up to three days, which made it difficult for her to study at night.
Her remarkable achievement was one of the standout results from iLembe’s 2024 matric class, which confirmed the district as the fifth – tied with Zululand – best performing district in
KwaZuluNatal and 12th countrywide. iLembe’s pass rate of 89.5% is up from 88.6% last year and comfortably ahead of the 76% and 84% of the Covid-19 affected previous two years.
Fanelesibonge was one of the country’s 705 291 pupils who sat for the government NSC examinations, which bettered a series of records.
The graduating class had an official pass rate of 87.3%, the highest mark achieved in democratic South Africa and almost five percentage points ahead of last year – itself a record.
Twenty-four iLembe district schools achieved 100% passes, including Qinisani High School (Upper Tongaat), ML Sultan (KwaDukuza), Theo Hlalanathi Secondary School (Maphumulo), Khanyisa Secondary School (Ndwedwe), Lethithemba Secondary School (inland of KwaDukuza) and Jonase Secondary School (Maphumulo). This is not a complete list
iLembe district mayor Thobani Shandu congratulated the class of 2024.
“The achievements came thanks to the dedicated educators, parents and the entire community for their commitment to student success,” he said.
“Together, they have shown that with determination and hard work, greatness can be achieved. Let’s continue striving for excellence and aim for even greater achievements in the future!”
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
