The Umlalati Learning Centre, based in Barberton under the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West (LMN) Region, has recorded an exceptional academic achievement by winning the Most Improved School Award for the 2025 matric results. The centre’s pass rate rose remarkably from 83.3% to a perfect 100%.
The 16.7% improvement marks a major milestone for the school, reflecting the dedication and hard work of learners, educators, school management, and correctional officials. Of the six matric candidates, three obtained Bachelor passes, while the other three achieved Diploma passes.
The juvenile centre, which accommodates inmates under the age of 25, has consistently produced strong academic results over the years, achieving a 100% matric pass rate in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025, with 80% in 2023 and 83.3% in 2024.
In addition to being honoured as the Most Improved School, the centre received several individual accolades. Khokhayi Nkosi was awarded Best Learner Performer in isiSwati Home Language with 80%, while Sakhile Mthombeni received the Educator Subject Award in Tourism with an average of 76.5%. Siphamandla Khumalo (69.42%) and Siyanda Yende (62.85%) were recognised as Top Performers in their respective subjects.
School Principal and English educator Purine Makhubu attributed the school’s outstanding performance to strong self-motivation among both learners and educators.
“We conducted innovative sessions involving all educators, giving everyone a platform to share inputs and ideas on improving school performance and restoring the school to its glory days. These sessions were robust and constructive, allowing for open discussions on challenges faced and enabling us to develop remedial actions,” explained Makhubu.
She added: “Our educators went the extra mile. They collectively agreed to offer additional lessons outside normal school hours, on weekends, and during school holidays to ensure learners were well-prepared for the final exams.”
Makhubu also highlighted the transformative impact of education on inmates, noting that it provides them with a renewed sense of purpose and a different perspective on life. “One of our matriculants was overjoyed with his results and shared that this achievement is his greatest accomplishment, as he is the first in his family to complete matric,” she said.
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Thomas Myeni, Manager of Education and Training in the Barberton Management Area, added that regular inspections and close engagement with educators played a vital role in the school’s success. “We conducted quarterly assessments with educators to monitor learners’ progress. Where challenges were identified, we jointly developed subject improvement plans supported by internal moderation to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes. We also ensured that the Class of 2025 consisted of learners who performed well in Grade 11 and were adequately prepared for Grade 12,” Myeni remarked.
Receiving the award on behalf of the school, award-winning Tourism educator Sakhile Mthombeni said it was an honour to accept the Most Improved School Award, as it acknowledges the efforts of educators and their commitment to ensuring that offender learners achieve a 100% pass rate and improve the school’s results.
“The learners were happy to be recognised for their hard work, as it made them feel connected to the outside community. Through education, they are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute positively to the broader economy as they prepare for reintegration,” he said.
Mthombeni added that the matriculants are highly motivated to further their studies through the University of South Africa (UNISA) and continue their academic journeys.