By Kwanele Khanye
As the countdown to the 2025 matric examinations begins, the atmosphere at Machanca Secondary School in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal is a combination of focus, determination, and quiet optimism. Teachers, learners, and staff are working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s matric class is ready to uphold the school’s record of academic excellence despite a year marked by unexpected challenges.
Earlier this year, adverse weather conditions ripped through the school, blowing off the roofs of the Grade 11 and 12 classroom blocks. As a result, classes were suspended for two weeks while repairs were underway.
School Principal Raymond Mavimbela said it was a difficult time for them as the wind completely blew off the roof of their senior block, leaving learners without proper classrooms.
“But we refused to let that setback derail our plans. With the support of the community, we were able to fix the damage and return to normal teaching as quickly as possible,” he said.
Despite such disruptions, the school’s resolve has remained firm. Machanca Secondary has maintained consistently high matric pass rates over the past three years achieving 92.2% in 2022, 95.7% in 2023, and 92.0% in 2024, a record the school aims to sustain in 2025.
“We are well-prepared, our learners are showing maturity and discipline. Teachers are conducting extra lessons daily, and we have introduced support programmes such as the cross-night study sessions, where learners and teachers study together late into the night. These initiatives help our learners cover more ground and build confidence before the exams,” a confident Mavimbela said.
The cross-night programme, introduced by Mavimbela in collaboration with the school’s governing body, has become one of the school’ s key preparation strategies.
“The idea came from our observation that some learners study better in a structured environment, cross-nights allow them to revise in groups, consult with teachers, and focus without distractions. It is also a way to motivate each other as a team,” he explained.
Physical Sciences teacher Phumlani Malevu, said the matriculants are prepared and committed.
“We started revision early this year, focusing on difficult topics and practical problem-solving. The cross-night sessions have been a game-changer, learners stay after school for intensive study, and we, as teachers, guide them through past papers and exam strategies. This was a brilliant idea from the principal and the board, and it has really strengthened our preparation.” he said.
Still, Malevu admitted that there are challenges and one of the biggest ones is that of limited technological resources.
“We do not have enough digital tools or computers for research and simulations. But we adapt, we use printed materials, group discussions, and even peer tutoring. One of our former learners, now in university, has volunteered to tutor our current Grade 12s. It is inspiring to see that kind of support.”
Among those preparing for the final exams is Amahle Kubheka, one of the top-performing learners who says she is ready as she has a clear study routine which will help her to achieve the desired results.
“I have a clear study routine, I wake up early to revise before school, attend all the cross-night sessions, and take part in group studies. The storm affected us badly; we lost two weeks of lessons, but our teachers made sure we caught up. Their commitment keeps us going. Seeing how hard our teachers work motivates me to do the same one day,” she said.
Fellow learner Sibusiso Dlamini said the school’s teamwork spirit has helped ease the pressure.
“We support each other, when one of us struggles, another helps. Even with limited resources, we know we can succeed because we have the right attitude and teachers who never give up on us. With their guidance and support, I’ve already applied to several universities and hope to further my studies in education. My goal is to one day return to my community as a qualified teacher and inspire other young learners to believe in themselves,” he said.
At Machanca Secondary School, readiness is not just about textbooks and timetables — it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the unshakable will to rise above every storm. Here, learners don’t just prepare for exams; they prepare for life. They learn to support one another, to turn challenges into lessons, and to dream beyond their circumstances.
This year, 179 751 full-time and 16 148 part-time candidates, making a total of 195 899 learners, will sit for their final examinations across various examination centres throughout the province. This marks a 3% increase compared to the 190,452 candidates who wrote in 2024.
