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Lolo Madonsela
High schools in the Vryheid area have performed exceptionally with their 2019 matric results.
A rare exception was Khethukuthula Secondary School, which showed a massive decline from its 80 per cent pass rate in 2018 to 37,5 per cent rate in 2019.
Among schools which achieved a pass rate of 90 per cent and above were Inkamana High (which dropped from a 100 per cent pass rate in the two previous years to 96,2 per cent in 2019) and Filidi Secondary (also down from 100 per cent in 2018 to 98,2 per cent in 2019).
Other schools which maintained a 90 per cent pass rate were Isolomuzi High (95% to 98,2%), Vryheid Landbou (97,4% to 98%) and Hoërskool Pionier (98,9% to 97,9%). Sekethwayo Secondary saw a slight decrease from 92,9% to 91,3% while Sikhiye Secondary showed a notable improvement from 75% to 90%. Vryheid Comprehensive improved from 89,7% to 91% and Vryheid High improved from 89,7% to 95,3%. Ikhethelo made great strides in improving its results as well, from a record 37% pass rate in 2017, 26,7% in 2018 and a remarkable 64,5% in 2019. Gedlembane Secondary improved from 60,5% to 87% and Mvuzini bettered with 74,5% in 2019. Schools whose pass rates decreased include Mpofini (from 63,7% to 56,4%, itself a drop from 71,9% in 2017), Gudu (from 82,7% in 2018 to 67%), Kwabhanya (from 89% in the previous year to 85%) and Khondlo (from 94,3% to 85,6%).
Also read: Top 2 matric learners in Zululand are from Hoërskool Pionier
In the entire province, Zululand District achieved a pass rate of 79,1%, which is above the provincial pass rate of 76,2%. The leading district was Ugu with 86,3%, followed by Amajuba (85,2%), Pinetown (83%), Umgungundlovu (82,8%), Umlazi (82,6%), Ilembe (80,9%), Umkhanyakude (80,6%), Uthukela (79,2%), King Cetshwayo (79,3%), Harry Gwala (77,3%) and Umzinyathi (77,4%). Acting Mayor of AbaQulusi, Mncedisi Maphisa congratulated the Class of 2019 and said this was the beginning of a new chapter for those who passed, and those who had not could still try again. “Hard work has paid off, and many will now pursue their dreams. To all those who made it, this is now the start of a new chapter; a chapter that can be stressful in the beginning, and that is getting into a tertiary institution. However, I wish you well on the journey you have chosen for your life. “Not making it does not mean one is a failure. There could have been many factors which affected you while studying for your exams. In life there are obstacles and these are different for everyone, but this does not mean one has to give up. Remember there is no shame in working hard a second time round, but stand up and take responsibility,” he concluded.
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