Against all odds: CMJAH School’s matric class triumphs with 100% pass rate

Two outstanding learners have shown that determination and support can lead to success, even amidst lifes challenges.

February 2, 2025

Naziya Davids-Easthorpe 2 minutes read

The CMJAH matric class achieves a 100% pass rate for the third year in a row.

In a year filled with challenges and triumphs, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) School has once again achieved a remarkable feat – a 100% matric pass rate for the third consecutive year.

This is not your typical success story. CMJAH School serves exclusively learners with special needs, particularly those facing severe medical conditions. Despite the challenges they encountered, the Class of 2024 demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. d Nikilitha Langa (18) and Lungisani Zulu (19) faced a journey that tested their perseverance and highlighted the importance of support in achieving their matric success.

Nikilitha, who earned a diploma pass, nearly abandoned his education in Grade 11 due to the overwhelming burden of balancing his health and academics. “He stayed home for three weeks and was ready to quit,” revealed the school’s head of department, Scotch Khumalo. It took the intervention of teachers and heartfelt encouragement to reignite his dream of finishing school.

For Lungisani, who achieved a bachelor’s pass, the challenges were equally daunting. Living with kidney failure, he underwent dialysis three times a week, starting in primary school. But his persistence paid off, not only academically but also personally, as he recently received a life-changing kidney transplant.

“This young man wanted to give up at one point,” said Khumalo. “But we stood by him, giving him hope and assurance that better days were coming. Today, we are here celebrating his success and his new lease on life.”

Behind these personal victories is a team of dedicated educators who went above and beyond. Principal Khaizeni Ngoveni praised his staff for their unwavering commitment, often sacrificing their time and resources to ensure their learners had the support they needed.

Also read: Sandringham High School achieved a 30% increase in 2024 matric results

CMJAH CEO Gladys Bogoshi extended her gratitude to the entire school community, including the school governing body, the hospital’s health team, and sponsors who contributed essential resources. “This achievement is a testament to teamwork, perseverance, and the belief that every learner deserves a chance to succeed,” she said.

The school’s success not only highlights academic achievement but also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. For learners facing medical challenges, it brings hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with the right support, anything is possible. As the Class of 2024 embarks on their journey, they embody determination, compassion, and the strength of a supportive community.

In a world where adversity often takes centre stage, CMJAH School stands as a shining beacon of what is possible when people refuse to give up. Their story is not just about two young men passing matric, it’s about triumphing against all odds and proving that courage and commitment can light the way to success.