Durban | Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre | Friday, 23 January 2026 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli delivered the keynote address at the Menzi High School Matric Awards Ceremony, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, where academic excellence, resilience and community partnership were celebrated.

The prestigious awards ceremony was made possible through the Solwazi Zulu Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Prince Qedukwazi Zulu, who also attended the glittering event in support of education and youth development.

Menzi High School, based in Umlazi Township, has established itself as a beacon of excellence in public education, having achieved a 100% matric pass rate every year since 2011. This remarkable record positions Menzi High among the top-performing schools in KwaZulu-Natal and the country at large, serving as a powerful example of what can be achieved through dedication, strong leadership and community collaboration.

In his address, Premier Ntuli praised the collective effort that has sustained Menzi High’s outstanding performance.

“These exceptional results are not the work of learners alone. They are the product of committed teachers, supportive parents, active school governing body members, organised labour, and a community that understands the value of education as a pathway to freedom and opportunity,” said Premier Ntuli.

The Premier emphasised that Menzi High’s success demonstrates that township schools can compete with and outperform the best in the country when the right environment is created.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Principal of Menzi High School, Mr Mshololo, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the school’s sustained excellence and for the establishment of the matric awards programme. His legacy was honoured as a reminder of the transformative power of dedicated educators who believe in the potential of every learner.

Premier Ntuli concluded by encouraging learners to carry forward the values of discipline, hard work and community upliftment, noting that their success is not only a personal achievement, but a contribution to the future prosperity of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.