By: Thandazo Jafta, District Manager, Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal
The year 2022 was one marked by transition and reinforcement of traditional methods of learning. This meant that learners had to buckle up as they were required to attend full sessions again. The KZN/EC matric class of 2022 has proven once again that despite the ever-shifting pieces, stability and success are still possible. The staff, volunteers, and learners worked exceptionally hard in the year 2022 and the results are but the fruit of the labor and investment made in the year. The KZN team achieved an overall 91% pass rate, while EC was able to finish the race at 93%, this is 8% and 16%, respectively, above the provincial pass rates.
The Chesterville branch achieved a stellar 100% pass rate, with 69% of these learners obtaining Bachelor passes and 97% being eligible for tertiary. The tutors worked tirelessly and availed themselves selflessly, even after hours on the WhatsApp groups and on Saturday afternoons, providing academic support to the learners who, in turn, would sacrifice resting time to get assistance. This is what the Branch Coordinator had to say about these results:
“We are proud to have attained these passes; the branch has had some challenges with placing alumni in the past two years and this gives us hope that it will be less complicated to place the learners that graduated from the programme in the year 2022.”
The Umlazi branch obtained an 81% pass rate, with 58% of the learners gaining eligibility for tertiary studies. One of the Umlazi branch Top achievers, Nelisiwe, obtained a Bachelor Pass with two distinctions in Life Orientation and IsiZulu. Neliwsiwe joined the IY programme when she was a grade 10 learner, traveling a long distance from school just to get assistance from IkamvaYouth. She has consistently shown tremendous commitment to her studies through the years. This is what she had to say:
“I am so happy I finally completed my Matric. I have received an offer to study for a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology at The University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. I have always been interested in investigating a crime scene, finally, my dream will come to life.”
Year after year, the Joza branch continues to show resilience and commitment to success in the presence of many challenges. The branch has over the years, struggled with basic resources such as constant water shortages, etc, yet, In the midst of this, the branch continues to thrive. The branch achieved an outstanding 93% pass rate, with 57% Bachelor passes and 89% of the learners meeting requirements to enter into tertiary education. This proves a successful model and promises the fulfilment of our mission of young people drawing each other out of poverty through education. This is what Mnyiwana, one of our 2022 matrics had to say to the upcoming matric learners:
“IkamvaYouth contributed, offering study guides and access to past year papers. To the class of 2023; Focus more on your studies to achieve greater results and lastly look after your mental health.
Lloyd Lungu