TZANEEN – Mzamani Baloyi, principal of Mark Shope Secondary School in N’wamitwa outside Tzaneen, has been awarded the 2025 MEC Special Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to education.

Baloyi received the prestigious honour from Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya during the provincial matric results announcement held recently. The award acknowledges his remarkable turnaround of Mark Shope Secondary School, which had been a chronically underperforming institution before his arrival.

When Baloyi took over as principal in March 2021, the school was struggling with low morale and pass rates ranging between 44% and 59% from 2017 to 2020. Under his leadership, the school underwent a dramatic transformation, culminating in an impressive 98.6% average pass rate in 2024 and a second place ranking within its circuit.

Baloyi’s commitment to excellence has helped establish a strong and sustainable culture of achievement. Learner enrollment increased from 525 in 2021 to 1004 in 2025, while the number of teachers have doubled from 15 to 30. The school’s improved reputation has also resulted in unprecedented demand, with 314 Gr 8 applications already received for the 2026 academic year. The MEC described this surge as a clear indication of restored community trust and a successful institutional turnaround.

Speaking to the Herald, Baloyi said the award has motivated him to continue striving for excellence. “It shows that my efforts have been recognised. It opens doors to new opportunities and enhances my reputation in the education sector. It is a symbol of respect, recognition and the potential for future success,” he said.

Baloyi was born and raised in Mageva village outside Giyani, where he and his siblings were taught the importance of loving and respecting others. “Being taught to love people made me love children, which made it easy for me to choose teaching. I love seeing others flourish, and I do my best to ensure that my learners and teachers thrive,” he said. One of his first priorities was to change the school’s culture.

Baloyi said he draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Baloyi said his goal for the next five years is to see all subjects at the school achieving a 100% pass rate, supported by dedicated teachers and equitable learner enrolment across all three streams.