shloboe boe
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
EMPANDENI Girls High School continues to embolden its footprint as a force to reckon with in the country’s academic landscape.
The school is basking in the glory of its remarkable academic achievements for 2024, a testament to the outstanding dedication and hard work of its pupils and teachers alike.
This year’s impressive O-level and A-level results have set a new benchmark for excellence.
Located in the heart of Mangwe District in the expansive Matabeleland South Province, the Catholic-run school has recorded incredible results that reflect its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, further solidifying its position as a premier educational institution.
The O-level pass rate stands at an impressive 98,1 percent where out of 104 candidates, only two failed to achieve five O-levels, while the A-level results were equally remarkable as the school boasts a 100 percent pass rate.
In a recent interview, the school’s headmaster, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, said the school and all its stakeholders were gratified by the impressive results that they posted.
He emphasised the quality of the results saying 36 students attained five or more A grades, with two students achieving the remarkable milestone of nine A grades. Additionally, History shone brightly, with 80 A grades recorded at O-level.
“This year marks a historic milestone for Empandeni High School, with the best O-level results in the school’s history. Our 2024 performance surpasses the impressive 94 percent pass rate recorded in 2023 and follows the outstanding 98,6 percent pass rate achieved by our A-level students in the same year,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“Our exceptional results exemplify what can be achieved through perseverance, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence,” he added.
Mr Ndlovu highlighted that the school’s academic achievements are particularly impressive given the challenges faced, including disruptions caused by teacher movements throughout the year.
He noted that while the sciences department performed well overall, there is still room for improvement at A-level.
Beyond academics, Empandeni High School has achieved notable success in a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, netball, tennis and public speaking.
The highlight of the 2024 sporting calendar was the resurgence of basketball at the school. The U-20 girls’ team made history by clinching the national Nash championship title, narrowly defeating Dominican Convent Harare 30-29 in a thrilling final held at Empandeni in July.
All three basketball age groups emerged as provincial champions, demonstrating the school’s dominance in the sport.
Additionally, Mr Ndlovu proudly noted that four Empandeni High School students represented the school at the Nash National Athletics Championships held at Mosia Tunya in 2024. In a stunning display of athleticism, all four girls returned home with gold medals, excelling in both individual and team events.
As part of its strategic vision, Mr Ndlovu said the school aims to establish itself as a premier institution for the education and empowerment of the girl child.
Mr Ndlovu indicated that the school is committed to developing a renowned sports academy, providing a platform for students to excel in various athletic disciplines and has already made significant strides by participating in the prestigious Bulawayo Basketball Junior League.
Colletta Dube