80% pass 'not so good' for Soweto school

FOR the first time in more than five years Bhukulani Secondary School in Zondi, Soweto, has achieve a pass rate below the 90% mark.

The school, which is one of the best performing schools in Soweto, achieved 80.18% in the 2011 matric exams.

Principal Mduduzi Mathe said he was very disappointed with the marks as "they were not so good in terms of our (high) standards".

The school's top achiever, Dalindyebo Christopher Jele, 19, obtained five distinctions. He got 100% in accounting, 96% in maths literacy, 95% in life orientation, 93% in economics and 90% in business studies.

Jele will study for a BCom in Accounting at the University of Johannesburg.

Sanele Mazibuko got three distinctions - in maths, physical science and life orientation. He will study mechanical engineering at Wits.

Meanwhile, the matric pass rate at the troubled Meadowlands Secondary School has increased by just more than 1%. Though pupils did not perform very well, some were happy they got university entrance.

Pupils said the improved marks should be attributed to the extra classes and the study camp organised by the Gauteng department of education.

Schooling was disrupted for weeks at the school after the governing body locked the gates in protest against the suspension of principal Moss Senye, who is facing assault charges relating to a schoolboy who was allegedly beaten at the school.

Another Soweto school, Reasoma Secondary l in Protea, achieved 75%.