Mandlakazi High's Principal Knew Her Students Deserved Better

Photo Credit: Zululand Conservation Trust

For some youngsters, studying at home is easier said than done. When one determined principal created a safe place for her matric pupils to study, the Zululand Conservation Trust rallied behind her, proving that care, opportunity and collective action can help young people rise.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (08 October 2026) – It is natural to tell a child to focus on their studies and prepare well for exams without giving the advice a second thought. But some children simply do not have the space or dedicated time to do so.

Many share a home with several relatives and have nowhere quiet to study. Recognising that this was the reality for many of her students, and that their academic performance was suffering as a result, Mandlakazi High School principal Mrs Nzimande decided to do something about it.

Determined to give her matric pupils the best possible opportunity to study and pass their end-of-year exams, Nzimande started a matric camp after the school recorded an alarmingly low 23% matric pass rate in 2017.

Photo Credit: Zululand Conservation Trust

The matric camp is held at the school for three weeks before the final exams. It offers a safe, quiet space where students can study together, receive extra lessons and enjoy three meals a day. Learners study in well-lit classrooms, with teachers on hand to offer tutoring and support.

Moved by the principal’s commitment to her learners and their futures, the Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) soon came on board to support the camp. This has included funding for cooks, additional teachers and security guards, along with donated Rhino Ride mattresses and a contribution of meat from Manyoni for the meals.

“We are extremely proud of Mandlakazi High, which saw 42 of its 70 matric pupils pass in 2018 (a 60% pass rate). Then in 2019, the school achieved a 67.2% pass rate, with 14 learners earning bachelor’s passes and 18 earning diplomas. The proof is in the pudding! Four years in, we’re prouder than ever to support this camp,” ZCT shares.

Thanks to one educator’s heartfelt intervention, young people who might otherwise have missed out on reaching their potential have been given the space, support and encouragement to build brighter futures.