Meadowlands Secondary School Celebrates Historic 100% Pass Rate
For the first time in its 70-year history, Meadowlands Secondary School in Soweto has achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate in the 2025 matric exams, and the school celebrated this momentous achievement in style.
Yesterday, the excitement was palpable as the school’s 1,004 students received back-to-school stationery from the popular musical duo, Major League DJs—twins Banele and Bandile Mbere—who partnered with Shoprite and Lucky Star for the event. The surprise visit by the DJs thrilled the pupils, who were not only encouraged to focus on their studies but were also treated to an energetic performance on the turntables.
“Be very intentional about what you want to do after school,” Bandile advised the aspiring young scholars. He reassured them, “Even if you don’t have a plan right now, the plan will come. And even if you don’t figure it out now, you’re always going to figure it out.”
The brothers emphasised that everyone has a purpose in life; some discover it early, while others find it later. Bandile added, “Some people make money earlier than others. Don’t think you can’t make money. Don’t worry about your backgrounds, but worry about where you want to go. Just educate yourself and you can make it out there.”
The celebration reached new heights with an impromptu dance competition, filling the room with cheers and excitement. Three lucky winners walked away with R600 each, making the day even more memorable.
Principal Nomsa Khethwa expressed her gratitude for the stationery donations, noting that they will significantly benefit pupils from poorer families in Soweto. “This is a no-fee school, which means these children come from very poor families. I have been to some of their homes, and the living conditions are not good at all,” she shared.
Khethwa beamed with pride at the school’s performance in the exams, which included 88 bachelor passes, 29 diplomas, and only five higher certificate passes. “With all that the school achieved, we are very grateful for the donation. The children are very happy, and some of them have already told me they will try their best not to disappoint us this year and keep the pass rate at 100%,” she said.
Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group, highlighted the challenges many schools face in low-income communities regarding access to essential stationery and learning materials. “We believe that strong collaboration between private and public role players is essential to nurturing the next generation of leaders. By equipping children with the resources they need to learn, we support their development and help unlock their potential,” he stated.
Despite the joyous atmosphere, Principal Khethwa acknowledged that more support is needed for the school’s infrastructure. “We have a guard house that needs to be fixed, a sports field that needs repairs… everything needs to be fixed. We also don’t have electricity in the school, which is a big issue,” she pointed out.
As the celebrations continue, the success of Meadowlands Secondary School serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It underscores the vital importance of community support and collaboration in ensuring that every child has the resources and opportunities to succeed, paving the way for a brighter future. The school community, buoyed by this landmark achievement, looks forward to sustaining its exemplary performance in years to come.
Follow Us on Twitter
