Rural schools shine

RISING from the clutches of poverty, Zululand’s rural pupils have proved that limited resources are no deterrent when it comes to academic success.

Pupils from impoverished areas produced sterling results with Velangaye Comprehensive High School in Nkandla placing Zululand on the map after being named the ‘best rural school’ in the uThungulu District.

Principal of Velangaye Dr Mgogi Mahayi was ecstatic after seven of his pupils each received six distinctions.

‘For a rural school to produce such a quality result is very humbling,’ said Dr Mahayi.

‘These pupils do not have laboratories and are so down-to-earth.

‘We thank the pupils, teachers, education department and community for the commitment and dedication shown throughout the year.

‘Our dream is for every African child to receive top results despite their challenges,’ he said.

Bagging the six distinctions each were Sandile Khumalo, Nondzuko Mncadi, Kwandokuhle Mthethwa, Nkosisiphile Ndlovu, Sibekezele Ngobese, Sinethemba Nxumalo and Nqubeko Shezi.

Already accepted by the University of Cape Town to study either Actuarial Science or Medicine, Andile Gazu of Khombindlela High scooped a whopping eight distinctions.

‘I am so happy and proud of myself,’ he said with a broad smile upon hearing the news.

‘I have been accepted for both courses but I haven’t decided which one I’m more passionate about,’ he said.

Attributing his success to a solid support system, Andile says he is thankful for his faith.

‘I come from a Christian home and we pray all the time so all thanks go firstly to God.

‘I have never worked this hard before in my life! I’m thankful to my mother for all her support, as well as my church and my teachers,’ he said.

Classmate Portia Ncgobo, who also obtained eight distinctions, is due to study Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

‘I am overjoyed,’ said Proud Principal, Mrs Nokuthula Ntuli.

‘I have to be the most fortunate principal to be surrounded by educators who understand their work and support their students.

‘We have been working tirelessly to ensure that our students have all they need and hard work has surely paid off,’ she said.

Other top achievers at Khombindlela were Sandile Mazibuko who received seven distinctions and Siphakamiso Mafuleka with six distinctions.

Sandile has enrolled at the University of KZN to study Drama and Performance while Siphakamiso intends on pursuing a career in Electro Mechanical Engineering.

Richards Bay

Nomfundo Hlabisa topped the class at Tholokuhle High in eNseleni with her sterling seven distinctions followed by Siyabonga Lukhele and Sbusiso Mncwango with six distinctions each.

Nomfundo will be studying Bcom Accounting at the University of KZN this year while her peers Siyabonga and Sbusiso will join her at the same tertiary institution to study Chemical Engineering.

‘We worked very hard last year and started the school academic year a week earlier pushing Maths and Science in particular.

‘These pupils are humble and were willing to work hard,’ said Tholokuhle principal VJ Hlatshwayo.

Flying the flag high for Tisand Technical High in eSikhaleni was Langelihle Mnguni with his six distinctions.

At Mgezeni High School in Ntambanana, four pupils attained six distinctions each: Noxolo Cebekhulu, Sthembile Mchunu, Sinenhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Nokwanda Mtshali.

‘We were expecting these pupils to do well and are so happy that the extra tuition has produced results,’ Mgezeni Principal Thami Mchunu told the Zululand Observer.

Zululand pupils with sterling performances:

Sandile Vukani of Manqamu High (7)

Lindokuhle Ximba of Matholamnyama Secondary (7)

Thabani Ngubane of KwaNxusa High (7)

Sebenzile Tembe of Bhekikusasa High (6)

Thuthukani Mthembu of Bhekikusasa High (6)

Zamile Ntombela of Matholamnyama Secondary (6)

Goodenough Mbhele of Amangwe High (6)

Nzuzo Nene of Amangwe High (6)

Langelihle Mbokazi of Ekupheleni Secondary (6)

Cebile Dube of eMkhayideni Technical High (6)

Sashnee Govender of Isandlwana High (6)

Thobeka Vilakazi of Welabasha High (6)