Two Schools in the rural areas of Lusikisiki beat all odds to achieve above 90% pass rate in the 2017 NSC Grade12 Examinations. Ben Mali Senior Secondary School in Luqoqweni village and Siwali Senior Secondary School in Mcobothini village are a living testament that success is not only reserved for a few, and certainly does choose a designated area.

These schools achieved what most would see as an unreachable dream for schools in deep rural villages. They have defied stereotypes and changed the narrative about our rural schooling in the Eastern Cape. Both these schools obtained a 94.82% pass respectively, with Ben Mali improving by 66% from 28.8 % in the previous year and Siwali improving from 75.3% in 2016. Their dedication and commitment saw both these schools skyrocket to higher heights and reaching the levels that were beyond expectations.

This achievement also saw SiwaliSenoirSecondary School occupying the number 1 spot in the OR Tambo District. 77 learners from this school sat for the 2017 NSC Matric Examinations, 73 passed and 4 obtained supplementaries.They recorded 37 Bachelor passes, 29 Diplomas and 7 Higher Certificates.

Speaking to Mr. Nyandu who is the Deputy Principal at Siwali SSS, he attributes this success to the support programmes offered by the Department, Discipline and constant interaction with parents. He also recognises and acknowledges the impact made by winter and spring schools as well as weekend and afternoon classes.

The ECDoE extends a word of appreciation to both the learners and teachers of these schools, for their dedication and commitment. In the midst of challenges experienced in our rural areas, they have been able to dig gold in its purest form.