The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, conducted oversight visits to Gauteng’s best and worst-performing schools as part of their #UmntanaEskolweni campaign.
The initiative aims to evaluate conditions in South African schools and intervene where necessary.
Lefhereng Secondary School: A Success Story Rewarded
The EFF’s first stop was Lefhereng Secondary School in Soweto, which achieved an impressive 100% matric pass rate in 2024, with 97% of learners obtaining bachelor passes.
To recognize this achievement, Malema donated R100,000 to the school to support educational programs and improve learning conditions.
“The EFF contributed R100,000 to support the school, which also operates out of mobile classrooms,” the party said in a statement.
Principal Sebonwang Mphahlele expressed her gratitude:
“The donation made by Julius Malema will benefit the school tremendously. This contribution will assist in programs that will continue improving results and provide the necessary resources for our matriculants.”
Lefhereng’s Transformation: From Struggles to Success
Mphahlele joined the school in 2020, when its pass rate stood at just 51.1%, with less than 30% of learners qualifying for university.
Through strong leadership and teamwork, the school’s performance improved significantly:
📌 2020: 86.1% pass rate
📌 2021: 98.1% pass rate
📌 2022: 91% pass rate
📌 2023: 98.2% pass rate
📌 2024: 100% pass rate (165 candidates, 160 bachelor passes)
One of the top matriculants, Itumeleng Bongiwe Mhlongo, said Malema’s visit left her feeling inspired:
“Seeing him in person was surreal. He showed that young black leaders can make a real difference.”
She hopes the school will achieve 100% bachelor passes in 2025.
Relebogile Secondary School: A School in Crisis
The EFF’s second stop was Relebogile Secondary School in Khutsong, Carletonville, which has severe infrastructure challenges.
In 2023, a massive sinkhole swallowed parts of the school, forcing learners into mobile classrooms.
Despite accommodating over 1,500 learners, the school suffers from poor conditions:
- Only two functional water taps
- Bathrooms without running water
- Dangerous infrastructure due to gold mining damage
- 2024 pass rate: 57.5%
The EFF described the situation as appalling and pledged immediate interventions, including:
✅ Pressure pumps to restore running water
✅ Expanded bathroom facilities
✅ Air conditioners
✅ Fire extinguishers & first aid kits
✅ Cleaning supplies
They also announced plans to submit urgent inquiries to the Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Infrastructure Development regarding incomplete projects.
“Relebogile Secondary School reflects a broader crisis in South Africa’s education system. We demand immediate action to ensure learners have a safe and conducive learning environment.”
Conclusion: Two Schools, Two Realities
The EFF’s oversight visit highlighted the stark contrast in South Africa’s education system—from rewarding excellence to addressing critical failures.
While Lefhereng Secondary School represents hope and progress, Relebogile Secondary School showcases urgent infrastructure failures that demand government action.
Malema’s intervention ensures that the fight for quality education continues, but will the government step up?
