​By Tabudi Madisha
 
Once again, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) School has managed to maintain a 100% matric pass rate for the third consecutive year.   
Even though CMJAH School caters for children with special needs, particularly medical conditions, the two learners who enrolled for the 2024 matriculations managed to meet the matric pass requirements for a bachelor's and a diploma, respectively.  
Due to their medical conditions, the learners had to miss classes for medical check-ups and follow-ups. Luckily, the schoolteachers led by the principal provided extra lessons to ensure that learners caught up and completed the syllabus on time. 
The two young lads did not allow their medical conditions to prevent them from achieving their goals as they both managed to pass all their subjects.
It was not an easy journey for both the learners. Nikilitha Langa, who managed to meet the matric pass requirements for a diploma, attempted to give up on his dream when he was in Grade 11. 
According to the CMJAH School Head of Department (HOD), Scotch Khumalo, Langa could not cope with the pressure of dealing with his medical condition and schoolwork. 
"When he was in Grade 11, he stayed at home for the whole three weeks wanting to quit school. His mother tried to convince him otherwise, but she failed.  Fortunately, we (teachers) managed to talk to him, and this is the outcome (pointing at Langa's matric results)," said Khumalo. 
The road to success for Lungisani Zulu, who obtained a bachelor, was also not a smooth ride. Mr Zulu has been attending dialysis at least three times a week from when he was still in primary school level until recently when he got a kidney donation. 
"This young man also wanted to give up on life at one point. We had to support him every day and give him hope that he would get a kidney donor one day. Today we are here celebrating him, and he has also received a kidney donation," said the CMJAH School HOD, Khumalo. 
The thrilled school principal, Khaizeni Ngoveni, could not hold back his excitement when he congratulated his learners and teachers for maintaining the school's 100% pass rate. 
"Congratulations boys, you have made us all proud. To teachers, this achievement was never going to be possible without you. Many times, you used personal resources and time to ensure that these learners pass their matric. And for that, I would like to sincerely thank you," said Ngoveni. 
The CEO of CMJAH, Gladys Bogoshi acknowledged and appreciated all stakeholders for their contribution towards the 100% pass rate. 
"The learners managed to pass all their subjects and because of the hard work of the principal and teachers, who went beyond the call of duty to come and give extra lessons when learners were either admitted or couldn't come to school due to illness. 
"I also want to thank the SGB, the CMJAH health team and EXCO for the support they have provided throughout the years. Lastly, I would like to send my gratitude to sponsors who donated valuable items in kindness to make the learning experience of our learners the best. To our class of 2024, I wish you all the best as you pursue your dream careers," concluded Bogoshi.