Poorest school achieves star results

Determination and transparency were the keys to success for Ongane Combined School in Pongola, whose matric class of 2024 achieved a 95% pass rate.

With just six teachers for grades R to 12, and having had no electricity since its establishment prior to 1994, principal Jackson Madonsela attributes the school’s success to the co-operation of parents and teachers.

“Some learners travel more than 27km from home to school daily. Our teachers took ownership of their work. They are not scared of me as principal, and we have an open-door policy,” said Madonsela.

“Our teachers worked extra hours, weekends and holidays without any incentive. At night, they use candles. Anyone working at the school must have a love for teaching as it is incredibly challenging, but God gave us strength to get through it.”

Madonsela explained that whenever the school needs photocopies, or other necessities that require electronics, he is forced to drive more than 90km to the circuit office.

“Our circuit office is very friendly, and their resources are available to us any time,” he said.
Mayoral awards

Ongane was among the top 10 schools recognised at the Pongola Mayoral Excellence Awards on Thursday.

The event was held at the Ntuthuko Sport Field in Ward 12, attended by principals, circuit inspectors and member of the KZN Legislature, Mncedisi Maphisa.

Each top 10 school was awarded a certificate and trophy, while each top 10 pupil was given a certificate, trophy and iPad.

Pongola Mayor Bheki Thwala explained his municipality also assisted 45 pupils, and promised it would monitor their progress in tertiary studies to ensure they do not drop out due to financial constraints.

“Our plan for the Class of 2025, which must be deliberated in Council, is to give full bursaries to three pupils who excel in their exams,” said Thwala.

“We appreciate teachers, parents and officials from the Department of Education for these stunning results.”

Commenting on Ongane Combined School’s challenges, Thwala said his municipality has managed to source funding to electrify the school and surrounding communities.

“The contractor is on-site installing electricity mainlines in that area. Since 1994, there has been no electricity at that school as well as at all the homesteads in Ward 1.

“Our municipality recently graded a gravel road to the school to make it easier to reach.”

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