The Class of 2025 at Kuyasa Combined School has given the community every reason to celebrate, achieving an outstanding 97.5% matric pass rate. Out of 119 learners who wrote, 116 passed, earning 82 Bachelor passes, 25 Diploma passes and 9 Higher Certificates, along with 56 distinctions.
Principal Lulamile Mxube explained that schools are often worried when matric numbers are high, fearing a higher failure rate, Kuyasa’s 2025 results proved otherwise.
He reflected, “The number of learners is usually called a risk factor because people expect large numbers to mean high failure rates. But this class showed that numbers do not determine results effort does. Success depends on what learners and teachers put in.”
Despite the size of the group, the school not only achieved an excellent overall pass rate but also produced strong quality passes, with many learners qualifying to enter university.
The principal shared that Kuyasa started its academic programme earlier than other schools, setting an intense tone from day one.
The school implemented:
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morning classes
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afternoon classes
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weekend and holiday revision
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autumn, winter and spring schools
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one-on-one support for high-risk learners
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specialised sessions for top achievers
At critical moments in the year, learners were kept at school over weekends to study in a focused environment, particularly just before major papers.
“We could see the external pressures they faced at home and in the community,” he said. “Keeping them at school allowed them to revise in a quiet and supported space.”
Teachers went far beyond normal working hours, often sleeping at school, leaving after midnight, and sacrificing their own family time. “Our Grade 12 teachers did a wonderful job. They sacrificed so much so that learners could succeed,” said the principal.
Learners also battled social pressures, noise in the community, distractions, and stress. To address this, the school combined academic support with emotional and spiritual encouragement. “Prayer was important,” said Mr. Mxube. “We invited ministers to pray for learners and for the school environment. Motivation carried them through difficult moments.”
Some learners struggled with weekend distractions such as loud music and social events in the township, but teachers and parents worked together to keep them focused.
Parental involvement was not perfect, but it mattered. “Even if not all parents could help fully, many still supported their children and supported the school. That contribution made a difference,” he added. The principal also expressed appreciation to the Department of Education, the local municipality and local businesses for their continued interest and assistance.
Results improved steadily throughout the year, mid-year marks were around 80%, then rose again in September, giving staff confidence that learners were gaining momentum. Learners were profiled into risk, middle and high-achieving groups. Risk learners were given one-on-one help. Top achievers received targeted mentorship to push them toward distinctions.
Although the school hoped for a provincial or national top learner this year, it narrowly missed the mark but the principal says the effort was still worth it.
For one of the top performers Simnikiwe Ceza, receiving matric results was an emotional but surprisingly calm moment.
“I thought passing matric would bring huge excitement,” he said. “Instead it feels underwhelming in a peaceful way. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m relieved, and I’m proud of what I achieved.”
Simnikiwe said the camps, extra classes and encouragement from teachers played a big role in getting him through the pressure.
This year’s matric group is expected to be smaller, with 88 learners enrolled, and the school is already setting bold goals.
“We are confident,” said the principal. “We are aiming for 100% not only in passes, but quality results that open university doors.”
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, January 15, 2026. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays
