A CATALYST FOR CHANGE!
After experiencing a 10.5% decline in matric results for the Class of 2025, Khula Sakhile Secondary School in Sakhile, Standerton, is charting a path toward academic recovery with renewed confidence.
This is following targeted support from fibre network service provider Net Nine Nine.
The school recorded a matric pass rate of 77.8% in 2025, a result that, while still above the district’s under performance threshold, raised concern among school leadership.
Principal Sipho Charles Mokwena says the decline highlighted long-standing resource constraints rather than a lack of teaching ability.
“When results drop, people often assume teaching is the problem,” Mokwena explained.
“But in many cases, it is the absence of basic resources that places pressure on both educators and learners.”
AN ESSENTIAL DONATION TO EASE THE BURDEN!
In response to the school’s expressed needs, Net Nine Nine stepped in with a donation of essential stationery, easing a critical operational burden.
The donation ensured that learners had access to basic learning materials, while allowing school funds to remain allocated to learner welfare and infrastructure needs.
Beyond stationery, the company also installed fibre infrastructure and a point of presence at the school, a move that Mokwena describes as a game changer for teaching and learning.
“Reliable internet connectivity is no longer a luxury in education,” he said.
“It allows teachers to plan better, track learner progress, and access digital learning content that supports the curriculum.”
The impact of the intervention has already been felt in classrooms.
PRINCIPAL TO PUSH HARDER TO RECOVER LOST 10.5%!
Teachers are now able to maintain complete professional portfolios, an institutional requirement that had previously been difficult to meet due to limited resources.
According to the principal, this has improved lesson preparation, compliance, and accountability across the school.
The new fibre connection has also strengthened the school’s existing smart classroom facilities, particularly in science subjects, and opened doors for future expansion into coding, robotics, and digitally supported learning across other disciplines.
With these improvements in place, Khula Sakhile Secondary is optimistic about a turnaround in academic performance.
Mokwena believes the school is well positioned not only to recover the lost 10.5%, but to improve on previous results when the Class of 2026 sits for matric.
‘I’M HERE TO WIN’ – NEW THEME FOR THE SCHOOL!
“Our message to learners this year is simple: “I am a winner. I am here to win,’” he said.
“When educators are equipped and learners are supported, confidence returns – and so do results.”
The school’s experience highlights the growing role that private-sector partnerships can play in strengthening public education.
When support is aligned with real institutional needs, it can help schools overcome temporary setbacks and build a stronger foundation for long-term academic success.
