As the uMfolozi community awaited the release of the 2025 matric results, the Honourable Mayor Cllr Xolani Bhengu, councillors, education officials and various non-profit organisations came together to motivate and support matric learners across the municipality.
Mayor Bhengu, accompanied by the Speaker of Council, Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, and the Whip, Cllr Celimpilo Makhunga, visited learners in Dondotha, Mzingazi and Sokhulu to offer guidance and reassurance during this critical period.
During the engagements, Mayor Bhengu emphasized the importance of perseverance and resilience, particularly for learners who were preparing to further their studies at institutions of higher learning. He encouraged learners to remain positive about their future and highlighted education as a key driver of personal and community development.
The Mayor also reassured learners who were concerned about their performance, urging those who did not achieve the results they had hoped for not to lose hope. He explained that several opportunities existed for learners to improve their matric results, including supplementary programmes, re-writing examinations, and enrolling in technical and skills-based courses.
Officials from the Department of Education also participated in the engagements, where they outlined various post-matric support programmes, including career guidance services, bursary opportunities, and access to higher education institutions. Community organisations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting learners and ensuring that all young people were given opportunities to succeed.
The engagements conveyed a strong message of unity, hope and shared responsibility for the development of young people in uMfolozi. Learners and parents were reminded that matric results did not define one’s future, and that setbacks could be used as a steppingstone towards success.