Tsakani – Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School achieved an 83.9% pass rate in the 2025 examinations.The school principal, Kadiaka Mokgotla, expressed gratitude, saying the students performed well and have maintained a strong academic performance over the past several years.“The school achieved a 93.3% pass rate in 2022, followed by 84.8% in 2023 and 76.4% in 2024.“In 2025, the school rebounded impressively, improving its overall pass rate to 83.9%.Two subjects, in particular, contributed significantly to the school’s high pass rate over the past six years,” Mokgotla said.“Mathematics achieved a 61% pass rate, mathematics literacy 83.6%, and geography 87.5%, demonstrating steady growth and improvement in key areas.”
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As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School has already started implementing its 2026 School Improvement Plan as of January 6.The plan focuses on academic interventions, extra classes, mentorship, and additional support to ensure that learners are fully prepared for their examinations.“As a school, we have set an ambitious target of a 94% pass rate for 2026 and remain dedicated to fostering both academic excellence and holistic development,” he said.Through focused teaching, learner support, and community involvement, the school aims to continue producing outstanding results and empowering its learners for future success.One of the learners who performed well at school, Bonginkosi Mpembe, obtained three distinctions in IsiZulu home language, English first additional language and life science.Mpembe admitted there were moments of self-doubt and discouragement.“I cried a lot and sometimes I was not proud of my marks.“Along the way, people would tell me that the distinctions I was getting during the year were not my true reflection,” he said.Despite this, she remained focused and maintained her excellent performance.Looking ahead, Mpembe is open to every opportunity that comes her way.She expressed a keen interest in pursuing a career in the health field, with ambitions in nursing, physiotherapy, or even medicine.“I want to succeed in any way possible and I am open to universities, colleges, or even workplace opportunities that will help me grow,” she said.Another learner, Thobile Ndlovu also obtained three distinctions in mathematical literacy, tourism and life orientation.She recalled the intense morning classes and camps that sometimes felt overwhelming.“The teachers were putting us under a lot of pressure, constantly reminding us of the goals we needed to reach,” he said.To manage the workload, Ndlovu used online resources, past question papers, and one-on-one consultations with teachers.“Those one-on-one sessions really helped me. I learned more and felt more confident in my subjects.“I now plan to pursue studies in psychology. Because I am fascinated by how the brain works, and my research led me to realise that psychology aligns with my passion and interests,” she explained.
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Siphokazi Moloi obtained two distinctions in IsiZulu home language and English first additional language.Moloi admitted that maintaining discipline was one of the biggest challenges in her matric year.“Some days I would come back from school exhausted and just want to rest. But then I would feel guilty for taking a nap because I knew I had to study.“It caused a lot of anxiety,” she shared.Looking ahead, Moloi hopes to pursue a career in the health sector, with a focus on medicine and diagnostic radiography.“I want to help people find out what is wrong with them.“I am fascinated by technology and how it is used in medical imaging.“Seeing how it helped my grandmother when she had spinal issues inspired me,” she explained.Her personal experiences with medical imaging sparked a passion for combining healthcare and technology.“I want to explore it further and contribute to the health sector, helping people through innovative solutions and care,” she concluded.
Title: Mbongeni
Caption: Thobile Ndlovu, Bonginkosi Mpembe and Siphokazi Moloi passed matic with flying colours.
Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Description: Three former high school learners holding their matric results in excitement.
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