Deaf learner tops national SASL matric
Meet Kwathintwa School for the Deaf Thobani Shezi who turned barriers into brilliance and topped the nation in South African Sign Language.
THE Department of Basic Education announced the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results on Monday, with KwaZulu-Natal emerging as the top-performing province, achieving a pass rate of 90.6%, up from last year’s 87.3%.
KwaThintwa School for the Deaf matriculant Thobani Shezi placed first nationally for South African Sign Language (SASL).
Thobani from Mariannhill was born profoundly deaf and faced many challenges growing up, mainly struggling to communicate with his family.
In 2011, Thobani started grade 00 at KwaThintwa School for The Deaf in Inchanga.
Thobani recalled his first experiences at KwaThintwa as a little child and admitted to being afraid of the new environment which involved him using his hands to communicate and staying in a hostel, away from his parents.
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“It all seemed daunting to him. But today, he recalls the memory with a smile on his face,” said the school.
He thanked the staff at KwaThintwa for shaping him into the young man he is. He believes it has taught him the fundamentals of thriving academically and transitioned him to become a destined leader, noting his accolades in his final year at school where he was both head boy and RCL president.
Thobani aspires to be an educator, to teach SASL to Deaf learners in South Africa and empower them, to help them to find their voices with their hands, the same way he has been able to.
His message to his peers with disabilities is to believe that you can achieve and you will! He encourages the deaf youth to always think positively and never let your disability define you in a negative way.
“To take what God has given you and make it shine just as I have taken this passion for my home language and landed on a national stage.”
The school’s principal, Dr Mavis Naidoo, praised Thobani’s achievements, saying it is an honour and a privilege to lead an institution distinguished by exceptional calibre and unwavering integrity despite the daily challenges faced.
“The achievement of a 100% matric pass rate for 15 consecutive years stands as a testament to the school’s sustained commitment to academic excellence and is by no means a small feat.
“Today, we proudly celebrate Thobani Shezi. This remarkable accomplishment reflects not only individual excellence but also the strength of our academic programme.”
As noted by the Minister of Education, Naidoo said this moment is not merely a celebration, but rather the culmination of many years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
“I attribute this success to the exceptional staff of KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, whose unequivocal commitment to teaching and nurturing ensures that every learner is afforded the opportunity to thrive.”
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