The saying “Not all heroes wear capes” rang true during a recent oversight visit to Kgothala Senior Secondary School in Limpopo, where members of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education heard how the school principal, Ms Johanna Mabena, turned years of chronic underperformance into sustained academic excellence.
The committee is on a week-long oversight visit to Limpopo. According to the Chief Director for Districts, Mr Dion Letshedi, the school – situated in the impoverished Elandsdoorn Township – has consistently performed exceptionally well since the appointment of Ms Mabena as principal in 2017. The school has maintained an average pass rate of above 90% year-on-year.
Committee members expressed admiration upon learning that Ms Mabena achieved these results despite facing serious personal adversity while serving at the school.
In 2022, Ms Mabena was hijacked on the school premises and her vehicle was stolen, though it was recovered a few weeks later. In 2024, she was physically assaulted at the school by a parent who allegedly attempted to force the admission of their child. The assault resulted in serious injury to her left leg, which required surgical intervention.
Adding to her ordeal, Ms Mabena has yet to receive a case number from the South African Police Service (SAPS) relating to the assault. This is despite another male educator who experienced a similar incident at a later stage having already received his case number.
Mr Letshedi further informed the committee that the school achieved a 100% pass rate twice under Ms Mabena’s leadership – first in 2023 and again in 2025. “Even in the years when the school did not achieve 100%, it still maintained pass rates above 90%,” he said.
Speaking to the committee, Ms Mabena said her deep concern for the future of learners at the school and surrounding communities motivated her to continue working despite the challenges. She said she could not stay away from the school for long or consider retirement.
Visibly moved by her story, committee members commended Ms Mabena’s courage, resilience and passion for education. Several members remarked that her leadership qualities should be replicated across South Africa’s other struggling schools.
Committee Chairperson Ms Joy Maimela, touched by Ms Mabena’s unresolved case with SAPS, shared her own challenges with the police and committed to engaging the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police to pursue the matter.
Other members, including the Committee Whip, Mr Tshepo Louw, criticised the lack of departmental support for such a high-performing school. He highlighted poor infrastructure conditions, including leaking roofs, pit latrines and the absence of a staff room.
In response, departmental officials assured the committee that plans are underway to address the school’s infrastructure challenges.
Temba Gubula
29 January 2026
Arrange a tour