SENOTLELO – The Premier of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Mandla Ndlovu, visited Mokebe Secondary School in Senotlelo, Ward 20, on January 24. The school, located in the eMthambonthini Circuit of the Dr JS Moroka Municipality, was recognised as the best-performing school in the circuit.
The visit was prompted by the school’s consistent excellent Grade 12 results, achieving a 100% pass rate in 2024 (with 80% Bachelor passes), 100% in 2023, and 96% in 2022.
The Premier was accompanied by the MEC of Culture, Sports and Recreation, Lenah Mabuza, Nkangala District Municipality Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya, Speaker Cllr Kabelo Boshomane, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Nomsa Mtsweni, councillors, eMthambonthini Circuit Manager Sindane, officials, SGB members, community members, and other stakeholders. The visit aimed to congratulate the school on its outstanding performance.
In his address, Premier Ndlovu expressed concern about the school’s dilapidated infrastructure. He committed to ensuring the construction of a new school building by the 2027/2028 financial year while pushing for the project to be prioritised for an earlier timeframe.
“We are here to celebrate the school for obtaining 100% for the past two years, and we want to encourage them to keep doing what they are doing. The school has made a commitment to me that next year they will achieve 100% with 100% Bachelor passes,” said Ndlovu.
Mokebe Secondary School’s deteriorating condition has highlighted the need for renovations. Ndlovu assured stakeholders that the school is included in the 2027/2028 budget for a new building but promised to engage with the relevant department to explore the possibility of moving the project to the 2025/2026 budget.
“I am not making any promises, but I will engage with the department to see if we can bring the building of the school forward because great work deserves to be rewarded,” said Ndlovu.
Dipolelo Mabua, a parent at the school, expressed gratitude, saying they are proud of the matriculants for putting their small village on the map. She also said they hope the Premier will honour his word to ensure the school is in much better condition.
Grade 12 learners received full uniforms, tablets, dignity packs for both boys and girls, as well as soccer and netball kits.
The school principal, Mr Mashele, attributed the school’s excellent performance to the good discipline of learners and educators.
Executive Mayor Nomsa Mtsweni congratulated the school for being the best in the circuit and urged learners to continue working hard. She also reminded them to take care of their tablets as they aim for a 100% pass rate and 100% Bachelor passes in the future.
