Dr Lutz van Dijk, co-founder of HOKISA Children’s Home in Masiphumelele, is spokesperson for the school and this campaign.
“We are very proud and wanted to thank the community – all the support together created most positive success.”
In February 2017, school district manager, Thandi Jafta, kicked off the campaign “48 to 84” to get Masiphumelele High School back on track.
After two most difficult years, starting in 2015 with violence and protest escalating in Masiphumelele, the pass rate had dropped in 2016 to 48%.
Parents, pupils and teachers were urged to commit themselves to excellent learning and teaching – and go the extra mile where needed.
In connection with the campaign more than R150 000 was collected through private donations, locally and from overseas.
Dr Van Dijk said: “Thanks also to the donor support, the principal Mr (Nelson) Mafrika could organise a number of extra tutoring classes during weekends in October and November.
“It was impressive to observe the discipline during the weekend of long hours of extra tutoring, sometimes even until late in the evening.”
Dr Van Dijk said that Mr Mafrika needs to be applauded for all his many extra hours to restore order and dignity at Masiphumelele High School.
“A word of gratitude must also go to school district manager Thandi Jafta, school secretary Nomonde Gaji, passionate volunteers like Lyn Scott, the work of Nico Commeignes and his team at Ikamva Youth at Masiphumelele library, the support of Milli Firth and her team of Masicorp – and of course all teachers , learners and their parents of Grade 12.”
Principal of Ocean View Secondary School, Keith Klein, was also very proud of their results.
Ocean View Secondary obtained an 82.1% pass rate.
They obtained 24 Bachelor’s passes and Kirsty Daniels was their top achiever. Kirsty earned an 82% average with five subject distinctions and 2 B-symbols.
Florence Nyirenda who placed second overall obtained a 79% average and a 91% in Geography. Asaph Tegwere obtained an 80% in Physical Sciences.
Aisha Pagel who placed third in the school, obtained 81% for Tourism studies.
Muizenberg High School achieved a 92% pass rate.
Principal Leonie Jacobsen said: “ This is of course lower than our expected pass rate for 2017. That said, some students really improved on their June and Mock examination results which resulted in them passing with flying colours.”
Muizenberg High School’s top 3 students remained in that merit position after the mock examinations.
“Queren Kalambo is our Dux student and she achieved 85.6%. Aqueel Maluk is second with 77.4% and Alex Vink is third with 76.1%,” Ms Jacobsen said.
She said: “We always work towards a 100% pass rate despite any contextual factors and after thorough analysis of the results and looking at our incoming Grade 12’s for 2018, we will ensure improved results in partnership with parents and learners.”
Ms Jacobsen said that the school’s ongoing extra lessons, early intervention and support strategies should bring them closer to their goal this year.
