KZN Top Matric Learner Said He Excelled With Distinctions Despite Power Cuts and Loadshedding

• One of KwaZulu-Natal's top-performing learners, Sbusiso Buthelezi, said he endured challenges while studying for his matric examinations
• He said he contended with power cuts and loadshedding, and despite that, he was honoured as one of the top achievers in seven subjects
• South Africans were proud of the young man and applauded him for his determination to succeed

Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues like health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests and immigration in South Africa during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

KWAZULU-NATAL — Sbusiso Buthelezi, who is one of KwaZulu-Natal's top-performing learners during the 2024 matric year, said no words could express the joy he feels for being honoured as one of the province's top-performing matriculants. He said he was determined to excel despite the challenges he faced.

Matric learner excels despite challenges

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According to SABC News, Buthelezi from Zimele Secondary School was among the 39 learners the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education honoured for their performance in 2024. He said that his resilience, hard work and dedication paid off. Buthelezi said the frequent power outages at his school would persist for months. It caused significant challenges for learners who relied on school premises to study in the evenings.

The top achiever praised the principal for providing them with resources to help them study. Buthelezi said he was one of the top learners when he received the call from the principal but did not believe it. He was elated when he received the call from the Department of Basic Education. He plans to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.

What you need to know about the matric exam results

• The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, said that the Hawks and Security Service are investigating a possible matric results leak
• This came months after the Department announced that results would be published in local newspapers despite the Information Regulator banning them
• The Regulator fined the Department R5 million for failing to abide by the ban

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South Africans rejoice

Netizens on Facebook were proud of the learner's achievements.

Ndumie KaMbulazi Yamantungwa said:

"Congratulations. Shenge, we are proud of you."

Sithuthukile Mpungose said:

"Congratulations, Sbu. You made us proud. We wish you nothing but the best."

Masungulo Ndlovu said:

"Oh, man! I'm so proud of you, my guy."

Freda Bridger said:

"Congratulations, young man. The wide world is waiting for you!"

Margaret Sibongile Dhlangamandla said:

"Congratulations, boy. Keep shining."

Active citizenship is key for systemic change, expert proclaims

Speaking to Briefly News, Savannah Cozzi, Executive Director of the Education Outreach Foundation, said it's important to think critically about the recent results.

"It is important to highlight that, while the Minister of Education, Siviwe Gwarube, recently announced an unprecedented matric pass rate of 87.3%, we must think critically about this figure."

Cozzi said while South Africa celebrates the matrics' success it's important to listen to the commentary of many civil society organisations and political parties challenging this notion.

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"They argue that the 'real' pass rate is a devastating 55.9%, based on data reflecting the significant number of learners who dropped out before their final year or never reached Grade 12.

"Thus we cannot base our understanding of the education status on the matric results but should always look through a critical lens to get the full picture," Cozzie said.

Cozzi, an attorney and social impact leader dedicated to education, entrepreneurship, and female empowerment, said this stark reality reveals a deeper systemic crisis in the education system.

"Government must treat the state of education with the same urgency and prioritization as any other national crisis. This means allocating more funding, providing greater support, and approaching education reform with the seriousness it deserves.

"However, this is not just a call to government. Businesses, communities, and individuals all share a responsibility to support education and the non-profit sector."

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Cozzi believes that through financial contributions and non-financial assistance, entities can amplify the work of organisations like Education Outreach Foundation, creating a meaningful and lasting impact.

"Finally, everyone has the power to contribute. While the government bears the primary responsibility for systemic change, we cannot afford to wait. Active citizenship is key."

The foundation called on citizens to join its advocacy campaigns, donate to the organisation, advocate for corporate sponsorship from compaies, share their content on social media, tell friends about their work, or volunteer their time.

"Everyone can do something with what they have, where they are," Cozzi concluded.

407 Learners from KZN, Mpumalanga cheated

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Umalusi revealed that 407 learners cheated during the matric exams. The number decreased drastically from the previous year.

In 2023, more than 900 learners cheated during the exams. The CEO of Umalusi said it is still concerning that KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga still had the highest number of learners who cheated.

Source: Briefly News