Raluswielo Secondary School in rural Vhembe stands today as powerful proof that school transformation is possible when partnerships are intentional, long-term and rooted in community.
The school moved from a 28% matric pass rate in 2024 to an inspiring 79.5% in the Matric Class of 2025. Even more significant is the quality of these results, with a marked increase in Bachelor and Diploma passes, opening real pathways to higher education and skills development for learners who, just a few years ago, faced limited prospects.
This turnaround is not a miracle. It is the result of deliberate partnerships with the School Management Team, School Governing Body, parents, educators, learners, together with government structures including the Limpopo Provincial Department of Education and the Vhembe East District, community and traditional leaders. Investment partners such as the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation were also integral. Facilitated by Adopt-a-School, each stakeholder played a role, demonstrating that when responsibility is shared, outcomes improve. The change results from a shared belief that every child, regardless of geography or circumstance, deserves access to quality education.
For the Adopt-a-School Foundation, now in its 24th year, matric results season is a defining moment. It is when years of consistent, behind-the-scenes work in schools culminate in measurable outcomes for learners. Year after year, schools supported through the Foundation’s Whole School Development (WSD) model continue to be recognised at National Minister’s Awards, as well as at provincial and district level, reinforcing the credibility of a model that is both tried and tested.
Too often, education reform is treated as a once-off intervention. Raluswielo’s journey tells a different story. It reminds us that real change happens when the entire school ecosystem is strengthened. The turning point came in 2023 when the school was adopted by the Adopt-a-School Foundation, an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, to implement the Whole School Development model. This approach recognises that schools do not struggle because of a single issue, but because leadership, infrastructure, teaching quality, learner support and community involvement must function together as one system.
The work began with leadership, because no school can outperform its leadership. School management teams were supported to lead with clarity, accountability and vision. Learning environments were improved to create spaces that support effective teaching and learning. This included new five classrooms, a hall and renovations of 13 classrooms- addressing issues of overcrowding. Classrooms were further strengthened through grade 12 learner supplementary support in key gateway subjects rebuilt confidence and academic performance.
Reflecting on the journey, the school principal, Mr VT Mudzwari: “For many years, we believed improvement was possible, but we did not always have the support or tools to get there. This partnership changed how we lead, how we teach and how our learners believe in themselves. These results show what can happen when a school is truly supported.”
For learners, the impact is deeply personal. One matriculant, Ambani Netshirembe reflected: “Before, it felt like passing matric was already too much to hope for. Now I have a Bachelor pass and a chance to study further. The teachers believed in us, and that made us believe in ourselves.”
Another learner added Gundo Nemafhohoni: “The school feels different now. We are supported and pushed to do better. We know our results matter.”
Reflecting on the broader journey, Adopt-a-School Foundation, Executive Programmes, Banyana Mohajane noted that the three year turnaround process required unwavering financial commitment, consistency, and courage from everyone involved. It was not easy. It demanded patience, trust and collective accountability. However, having implemented Whole School Development for many years, we have seen time and again that when partners stay the course, meaningful transformation follows.
“ She emphasised that Raluswielo Secondary School is not an exception, but a powerful demonstration of what is possible when genuine partnership meets everyday collaboration. The progress achieved here reflects the potential across the Foundation’s footprint of more than 700 schools nationwide. The lesson is clear: school transformation is not a quick fix.
Raluswielo’s story is about more than improved matric results. It is about restored dignity, stronger leadership, better-quality passes and futures that now look possible because adults chose to work together. It is a reminder that education transformation does not happen by chance, it happens by design.
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Author: Zelda Jacobs from Adopt-a-School Foundation on behalf of Adopt-a-School Foundation.
Ruud Elmendorp: Ruud Elmendorp is a South African journalist who has worked for The Star and The Sunday Times. He is
known for his reporting on business and finance.
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