"Kudos to the Principal": SA Principal Cancels Matric Dance After Students' Poor Results
- A North West school principal made a bold call after matric students at Milner High School in Klerksdorp performed poorly in Term 2 exams
- Principal Sam Lupuwana cited not only failing grades but also disruptive behaviour during the 40 Days celebrations as reasons for the decision
- South Africans are divided over whether cancelling the matric farewell is a fair consequence for underperforming students
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A North West school principal has cancelled his school's matric farewell dance after students delivered what he described as deeply disappointing academic results this year.
Sam Lupuwana, principal of Milner High School in Klerksdorp, informed parents and pupils of his decision following the Term 2 examinations, in which 72 out of 186 Grade 12 learners failed. He described the group as "arguably the most disappointing group of Grade 12s" and called their performance "critically concerning."
In a letter to parents, Lupuwana outlined two main reasons behind the cancellation: poor academic results and unacceptable behaviour. He said the school had repeatedly asked parents to intervene, but students continued to skip afternoon study sessions and bunk classes. Attempts to offer extra learning opportunities were, in his words, undermined by learners who simply did not show up.
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40 Days chaos seals the decision
The school's 40 Days celebrations also played a significant role in the principal's final call. Students reportedly threw eggs and flour around the school, disrupted other classes, and caused scenes in public. Lupuwana said their conduct brought the name of the school into disrepute.
Considering the above, you will understand that the school cannot risk associating itself with the Grade 12s who, throughout the year, have failed to exercise self-discipline and have shown no interest in their education," he wrote.
Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools Fedsas, backed up the principal's authority to make the call.
"A matric farewell is a school activity and a privilege. There is simply no legal right to a matric farewell," he said.
Read the Facebook post here.
Mzansi divided over the decision
South Africans shared strong views on the matter on the page:
@Wiehahn Verreynne wrote:
"This teaches discipline and accountability. Best news in a while. Teaching kids to have self-discipline and accountability. Because without those 2, results will never pull through."
@Johan van Schalkwyk said:
"Work hard, play hard. No work, no play. Simple rule, but effective."
@Vilma Morano disagreed:
"Only the ones that are not performing. It's not right to punish the ones that are performing."
@Daniel Resurrection Power added:
"Matric farewell event is not a must, but it's a privilege. Some schools don't do it at all, so the principal has a right to say yes or no."
@Gaelyn Behrens said:
"I do agree it's right, but generally you pay towards the matric dance, so I would expect them to be given their money back as well."
@Michelle Shella Ferreira wrote:
"I agree with this decision. Lately, some matric students have become increasingly disrespectful and undisciplined, particularly when it comes to the 40 Days celebrations."
@Alison Wallis Du Toit summed it up simply:
"A matric farewell is a privilege, not a right! Kudos to this principal 👏"
More Briefly News stories on matric dance
- A Lenasia matric student’s TikTok fundraiser for her dance inspired South Africans to donate dresses, makeup and even transport.
- A viral TikTok captured a stunning matric dance black-carpet moment featuring Jordin in a striking outfit against a mountain backdrop.
- A single mother launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover her daughter Brigita’s matric dance costs and create a special memory.
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Source: Briefly News
