One of St Francis College top achievers Nolwazi Hlambisa, 18, and her mother Zodwa Hlambisa, feeling proud after achieved six distinctions.Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.
ST FRANCIS College, an independent Catholic school steeped in history, has defeated the odds and their class of 2024 bagged a 100% pass rate. The principal lauded the pupils for their hard work and dedication.
An air of jubilation swept through St Francis College on Tuesday as pupils gathered to collect their results from the school that was established by German Catholics 116 years ago, promoting Christianity.
The principal, Ndabazami Khwela, who took over the reins in 2022, could not contain his excitement when the Daily News visited the school yesterday.
“I am happy for the students who put in the work during the year and are now reaping the fruits of their hard work. The teachers were also fully dedicated. This is a team effort,” said Khwela.
When he took over three years ago, the school had achieved 98%, while in 2023, only one pupil failed. This year, all 79 pupils passed.
Asked about their secret recipe for success, Khwela responded: “We have a programme where teachers and grade 12 pupils start the school year early before the official opening of schools. This has helped us a great deal as the school. We need maximum discipline from pupils and maintain that discipline throughout the year.”
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Khwela noted the financial struggles that some parents face, leading to pupil drop-outs due to outstanding school fees, a critical issue for the sustainability of independent institutions.
He also mentioned ongoing difficulties in completing the construction of a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at the school, which aims to enhance students' learning opportunities.
Before joining the school, Khwela was the deputy principal at Mgada Primary in Engonyameni near Umlazi, south of Durban.
He also previously served as the head of the department, focusing on maths and science at Isisusa Secondary School in Mbumbulu, south of Durban, from 1996 to 2001.
Previously, he taught at Mashanandane High School in Empangeni.
The school’s top achiever, Nolwazi Hlambisa, 18, who managed six distinctions, including in IsiZulu, Geography and Life Sciences, has set her sights on to studying medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
“I am glad that I passed with flying colours. I want to be a heart specialist. I have always wanted to study medicine, and I am happy that I am a step closer to my dream,” remarked Hlambisa.
Hlambisa said she worked hard from the beginning of the year and never caved-in when the going got tough as the year wore on.
“I studied a lot during the day as I am unable to study at night. I made sure that I gave it my all during the day. For me, this is surreal at the moment,” she said.
Her advice to the pupils of this year's Grade 12 class was for them to study hard and plan ahead.
“What worked for me is that I planned ahead, which helps in terms of dealing with the heavy workload in matric. Pupils who will be doing matric this year should apply this tactic.”
She also encouraged those who did not make it not to give up in life.
“To those who did not pass, this is not the end of the world. They must try again until they pass,” she concluded.
Her mother, Zodwa Hlambisa praised her daughter for her resilience, which paid off in bucket loads.
“I am ecstatic. It feels so good to see my daughter excelling in her studies. This is a proud moment for me as her mother, and I wish her all the best as she prepares for university,” said Zodwa.
Former pupils of St Francis include the late renowned linguist and poet Dr Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, the late founder of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) Steve Biko and Justice Vuka Tshabalala.
KwaZulu-Natal took the second spot as the best-performing province with a pass rate of 89.5%, an increase from 86.4% it garnered in 2023. The national pass rate was 87.3%.
Meanwhile, Menzi High School in uMlazi maintained its long-standing 100% pass rate.
Principal Nozipho Ndlanya said: “We are so excited. This is all because of hard work and teamwork by the teachers, learners and the parents. We are grateful, we are happy, and we are excited. I would like to express my gratitude to the teachers, the parents and the school governing body.”
The provincial government led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli hosted an event for the best-performing pupils at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) yesterday.
MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka also congratulated the class of 2024.
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