Ntuzuma schools achieve 96% pass rate despite severe water crisis
Sibusiso Mjwara of Sesimiphi NPC awards teachers from Sithandimfundo Secondary for their strong pass rate. From left are Ndaba, Nene Mjwara and chief education specialist for circuit management in the Durban North West Sithembiso Lushozi.
Image: Supplied
School management teams (SMTs) in the Ntuzuma circuit, north of Durban, say ongoing water cuts are severely disrupting teaching and learning, forcing schools to release learners early.
The concerns emerged during an awards ceremony for teachers from the 11 schools in the Ntuzuma circuit, held at John Langalibalele Dube High School, KwaMashu, on Friday last week. The circuit includes schools from Lindelani, Machobeni, Inanda, Newtown A and Ntuzuma.
Acting circuit manager Lungisa Khumalo said the circuit was proud of its academic progress after recording significant improvements in matric results.
“In 2024, we achieved a 92% pass rate. In 2025 we committed ourselves to reaching 95%, and by the grace of God we achieved 96.3%, which is great progress,” said Khumalo.
He thanked principals for their dedication, particularly their commitment to supporting Grade 12 learners.
“There are schools that achieved a 100% pass rate. Our circuit has 11 high schools, and all of them achieved above 90%, except one which obtained 84.6%. Overall, they performed very well,” he said.
However, Khumalo said persistent water shortages remain the circuit’s biggest challenge, often forcing schools to send learners home early, while matric learners are required to bring their own water.
“There are schools that currently have no water supply at all, such as Sithandimfundo and Machobeni Secondary. Gugulabasha and Phembisizwe are also affected, and schools across Ntuzuma generally struggle with water supply. Some schools in Lindelani face similar challenges,” he said.
“Because of hygiene concerns, we cannot keep learners at school. We are compelled to release them after they have eaten at about 11:30, which is a serious problem.”
Khumalo added that understanding their challenges has helped schools improve performance, and the circuit has now set a target of achieving a 100% matric pass rate this year.
Chief education specialist for the circuit management in the Durban North West region, Sithembiso Lushozi, said the circuit’s strong performance contributed to KwaZulu-Natal achieving a 90.6% matric pass rate, making it the leading province for the Class of 2025.
He echoed concerns about water shortages affecting schools.
“As I speak, there are schools that have been without water for the past three weeks. This means learners must be released early and teachers cannot offer extra classes,” said Lushozi.
The awards ceremony was sponsored by non-profit organisation Sesimiphi NPC, founded by Sibusiso Mjwara.
“INK (Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu) is often associated with crime, so when positive achievements like this occur, organisations must step in to support schools and encourage both learners and teachers,” said Mjwara.
He said the organisation plans to donate school uniforms and shoes later this year and continues to support vulnerable community members through a soup kitchen at Inanda Stop 8, which feeds more than 250 people daily.