Back-To-School: Durban Girls’ Secondary learners share aspirations for 2026
As the new school year begins, learners at Durban Girls’ Secondary share their dreams and strategies for success, highlighting the importance of support and determination in achieving their goals. Left (Nqobile Msweli) Right (Jacquie Kazadi)
Image: Ntombizodwa Dlamini/ Sunday Tribune
AS the 2026 back-to-school year begins, Durban Girls’ Secondary learners are stepping into the future with determination, faith, and big dreams.
From matric pupils preparing for university to Grade 11s finding their rhythm, the school is buzzing with ambition.
For Grade 12A learner Nqobile Msweli, this year is about pushing through the pressure and keeping her eyes on the prize.
“I’m really quite excited as well as like a bit nervous about what is ahead at the university, getting accepted and everything, like finding a job,” she said.
Msweli plans to study Mechanical Engineering after matric, and pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot.
“After I finish Grade 12, I’m planning on doing Mechanical Engineering, then doing like after that, getting a degree, then doing a short course and becoming an airline pilot,” she added.
She admits the pressure is immense, especially with KwaZulu-Natal’s strong matric pass rate. This comes after the Department of Education released the NSC examination results on Tuesday, January 13.
“I’m actually feeling the pressure, to be quite honest, because looking at KZN, it’s got like 90-something percent, and you have to, as a KZN, keep it that way… so it’s a lot of pressure,” she said.
Her strategy is rooted in faith and discipline. “As a Christian, I pray. For everything, I pray and I tell God everything, and my parents, and I speak to my teachers as well. They’re my support system, so I speak to them about anything that I’m facing, and that’s why I’m very calm,” she said.
Grade 11 learner Jacquie Fazadi is taking a calmer approach to what many call the toughest year of high school.
“I actually feel surprisingly very calm, even though other people say that it’s like the hardest grade. But, I’m just, yeah, chill,” says Fazadi.
Her plan is simple: hard work. “I plan on, like, studying as much… and also invoking God. I mean, every single thing, like homework, assignments, exams, every single thing,” she said.
Fazadi admits mathematics is her biggest challenge, which she plans on paying more attention to.
“My goal is, like, do my best. Obviously, it’s the hardest. But also work more hard in mathematics because it’s a very hard subject. I feel like I have dropped in my level … so in Grade 11, I intend to up my game and improve on that.”
Her career choice after school is Forensic Accounting.
Both learners shared their advice to their peers: keep focused.
“Please do your homework, work hard, keep on pushing, and asking for help is very important, because if you don’t ask for help, you will struggle.
“Don’t just pray that you want to do this. But you also have to put in the effort. Push yourself. Put in the effort and surround yourself with amazing people,” said Msweli.
Deputy Principal Dean Naidoo reflected on the school’s performance and the road ahead.
“We had a 92.6% pass rate last year. We would have liked to have achieved better, but you know the girls do have challenges, especially in mathematics, physical science and accounting. Having said that, we also had some exceptional results in other subjects, with a number of distinctions and even 100% pass rate in quite a lot of subjects,” said Naidoo.
“We have a counsellor on site, ongoing mentorship, and extra lessons in the mornings, afternoons, during breaks, and even on Saturdays. Teachers sacrifice their time at no cost, and closer to exams we even have cross nights where girls study through the weekend.”
He added that the school also assists learners with university and college applications, where the school has a computer room and Wi-Fi available for learners who don’t have access at home. This allows learners to do research for their assignments as well tertiary applications.
"Phones are allowed in a controlled environment so they can upload documents and apply. We invite institutions like DUT, UKZN, and private colleges every Friday to guide learners on study options.”
Looking ahead, Naidoo said the school is aiming higher.
“We want to get a 100% pass rate this year. We know we can achieve it because we had a 100% Grade 11 pass rate last year. We are positive, and with about 250 Grade 12s this year — our biggest group yet — we believe our girls can rise to the challenge.”
With voices like Msweli's and Fazadi's, and the dedication of teachers and the school's leadership, Durban Girls’ Secondary is proving that its learners are ready to face 2026 with courage, calm, and ambition.