OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Bongolethu Development Initiative (BDI), a proud community-based organisation comprising members from Oudtshoorn and Oudtshoornites living beyond the town's borders, extended its heartfelt congratulations to the high schools in the Karoo Region for their remarkable achievements in the 2024 Matric Class.
Fezekile Secondary School, a Quintile 1 school categorised as one of the poorest, achieved an impressive 88.3% pass rate, surpassing the Western Cape's provincial average of 86%.
This marks a steady improvement from the school's pass rates of 80.7% in 2023 and 86.3% in 2022.
Other low-quintile schools in the Oudtshoorn area also excelled, with Dysselsdorp Secondary School (Quintile 1) achieving 94%, De Rust High School (Quintile 1) reaching 87.3%, and Bridgton High School (Quintile 3) attaining a pass rate of 92.9%.
Quintiles 1 to 3 schools are no-fee and receive increased government funding per learner.
According to the BDI Fezekile Secondary School has faced significant challenges, including the severe vandalism of its fencing. Entire sections at the back of the school have been stolen or destroyed over the years, leaving students and staff vulnerable due to the lack of secure boundaries. Despite this, the learners' exceptional performance highlights their resilience and dedication under difficult circumstances.
In response to the outstanding results, BDI Chairperson Fikile Blaauw said, "This year's matric results mark a significant milestone in the history of Fezekile Secondary School. We are overjoyed and incredibly proud of the achievements attained.
This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, teachers, and the Department of Basic Education, and is worthy of celebration by the entire community."
Former Fezekile learner and BDI member, Dr Bongani Sayidini, now a chief operating officer at the Petroleum Agency SA, added, "As a community-driven initiative, we celebrate this moment with you and pledge our continued support for education and community development in Bongolethu and beyond. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our young people and our community."
Blaauw further emphasised that this success resulted from a collective effort: "This achievement is not the work of one section of society, but a reflection of the unity among learners, educators, parents, and the Western Cape Department of Education. Despite limited resources and challenges such as drug abuse and social distractions, these learners have shown resilience and determination. They are a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and support."
The BDI sent messages of appreciation to the students, the teachers, the parents, and the department.
The BDI urged the community not to forget those students who did not succeed.
"As a community, it is our responsibility to encourage and support them as they strive to build their futures."
‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’
