Durban, 13 August 2025  – Learners from Ullovu Secondary School had a unique opportunity to step into the world of aviation this week at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit, hosted in collaboration with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) at the Durban International Convention Centre. The summit, part of a global initiative to address the growing demand for aviation professionals, highlighted that by the time today’s toddlers graduate, the industry will need over one million cabin crew, nearly 700,000 pilots and maintenance technicians, and more than 130,000 air traffic controllers, according to ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. Ullovu Secondary learners engaging with an aviation expert. During the summit, learners explored the many roles that support the aviation industry, from technicians and engineers to runway marshals and air traffic controllers. The program emphasized the importance of aligning education and training with real-world industry needs, encouraging collaboration between airlines, regulators, governments, and academia to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals while addressing youth unemployment across the continent. For Simphiwe Sibiya, one of the Ullovu learners who attended, the experience was eye-opening. “Meeting skilled professionals gave me a glimpse of their daily work. I learned how a plane takes off and lands, the roles of everyone involved, and even got to see the cockpit as a passenger in a mini aeroplane. This experience has sparked my interest in aviation, and I’m now considering a career in the field, including roles like aircraft crash investigation,” Simphiwe said. Although Simphiwe did not participate in the model-building activity, the immersive experiences provided a clear insight into aviation operations and the diverse career opportunities within the industry. The school views participation in the NGAP Summit as a vital way to inspire learners to engage with STEM subjects and consider careers in sectors that are critical to the future economy. By exposing learners to global standards and industry professionals, Ullovu continues to empower its students to dream big and explore careers beyond the classroom. As aviation continues to grow across Africa and the world, experiences like the NGAP Summit ensure that learners at Ullovu are not only aware of the opportunities but are also motivated to pursue them.

Durban North, 15 August 2025  – Ten Grade 11 girls from Ullovu Secondary School attended the Women in STEM Empowerment Event, hosted by the Capitec Foundation at the Bell Inn, Durban North. The programme was designed to inspire and empower young women by exposing them to real-life stories and career journeys of leading women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through engaging talks, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on coding activities, the learners were encouraged to pursue their passions with confidence and to consider careers in STEM-related fields. For Owami Khoza , one of the participants, the highlight was listening to accomplished women share their personal journeys. “It showed me that even though the field can be challenging and male-dominated, with passion and persistence you can succeed. It made me feel like I could be in their shoes one day,”  she said. Owami also discovered the diversity of STEM opportunities, from coding to engineering and even careers that link STEM with music, banking, and marketing. Zekhethelo Ngidi  found deep inspiration in the story of Mrs. Abigail Motau. “Her story shows that girls can do anything. No matter where you come from, something of higher potential is waiting for you. It gave me a burning desire to be part of groundbreaking history in technology and AI,”  she reflected. Zekhethelo was also surprised to learn that women still make up only 30% of the STEM workforce, despite decades of progress toward gender equality. The event was not only about listening but also doing. Learners participated in a coding challenge, which many described as both difficult and exciting, underscoring the importance of persistence and collaboration in STEM learning. Principal Mrs. Gcabashe  praised the event’s impact on Ullovu learners: “We are eternally grateful to the Capitec Foundation for their great vision of bringing this experience to young women at a time when they have to make important and informed career choices. Their interaction with women in STEM careers was definitely impactful, and I am grateful to witness how they are now committed to sharing their passion with other learners at school to make a positive impact themselves.” Ten Grade 11 girls attended the event. The learners who represented Ullovu at the event were: Snothile Khuzwayo, Zamakhoza Ngcobo, Zekhethelo Ngidi, Anele Zangwa, Refiloe Ngcobo, Noluthando Mhlongo, Ayabonga Zulu, Anele Mdladla, Owami Khoza, and Nokwazi Khanyase. The Women in STEM Empowerment Event left Ullovu’s young women with renewed determination to break barriers, pursue innovation, and build futures where their voices and contributions can shape the world.

ULLOVU —  Academic brilliance took centre stage on Sunday, 10 August 2025, as Khanyile Nompilo  emerged as the top performer in Ullovu Secondary School’s Grade 12 Term 2 Awards , achieving an outstanding 86.14% average  and leading the Class of 2025 with distinction. Nompilo Khanyile, Grade 12 Position 1 Khanyile’s exceptional results included top marks in Accounting (83%), Business Studies (90%), Economics (92%), and English FAL (92%). Her consistency and excellence set the tone for an afternoon that celebrated the school’s brightest stars. Other high achievers were recognised across a wide range of subjects: Business Studies : Mjoji Yanelisa (84%), Mngadi Melokuhle (82%), Doncabe Amahle (81%), Ntuli Sisanda (81%) Economics : Ntuli Sisanda (88%), Mjoji Yanelisa (82%), Khathi Kwanele (81%) English FAL : Jwara Mfanelo (88%), Ngubane Amukelani (85%), Khomo Hlekisile (83%), Msomi Ntandwenhle (83%) Geography : Jwara Mfanelo (90%), Cele Ayanda (89%), Mdlalose Philasande (83%), Khomo Hlekisile (83%), Machi Nolwazi (81%), Madlala Khwezi (81%), Muyanja Shafik (81%) IsiZulu HL : Jwara Mfanelo (95%), Ntuli Sisanda (87%), Shezi Ntando (84%), Khuluse Lindokuhle (84%), Khomo Hlekisile (83%), Madlala Khwezi (83%) Life Sciences : Jwara Mfanelo (87%) Mathematics : Jwara Mfanelo (85%) Mathematical Literacy : Msomi Ntandwenhle (81%) Tourism : Msomi Ntandwenhle (86%), Msomi Sithembile (81%) The Matric Top 5  overall achievers were: Khanyile Nompilo  – 86.14% Jwara Mfanelo  – 83.57% Ntuli Sisanda  – 78.29% Msomi Ntandwenhle  – 78.14% Khuluse Lindokuhle  – 75.29% The awards ceremony not only highlighted the exceptional dedication of Ullovu’s learners but also served as an inspiration to their peers as the countdown to final examinations begins.

AMANZIMTOTI —  Learners at Ullovu Secondary School were given an important life lesson on Friday, 1 August, as representatives from the Amanzimtoti Community Policing Forum (CPF)  and the South African Police Service (SAPS)  visited the school to address the dangers of addiction and promote values of self-worth and community support. The visit formed part of an ongoing outreach initiative aimed at educating youth about the social consequences of drug abuse, alcohol dependency, and other forms of addiction. During the session, learners were engaged in discussions about the importance of self-love , emotional resilience , and building a culture of support and respect  within the school environment. The speakers encouraged learners to seek help when needed and to make decisions that will positively impact their futures. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of standing together as a school community and looking out for one another. In her closing speech, the RCL School Head Girl  delivered heartfelt words of appreciation, stating: "In the wise one, their words will rise in your heart and be recited in your minds. Let us grow together and learn from our mistakes. I know that regret is a heavy burden to carry, but let us shine beyond limits." The school RCL HeadGirl closing speech Her message was met with applause and admiration from both learners and visitors, as it reflected the very essence of the day’s purpose — growth, unity, and hope. The school extends its sincere gratitude to the Amanzimtoti CPF and SAPS for their continued efforts in safeguarding and empowering the youth.

Friday, 27 June 2025, marks the end of Term 2. It has been a term with some challenges, but we are grateful that with cooperation and hard work from learners, parents, and teachers, we managed to see the term through. We can count quite a few achievements  that we can all be proud of, as follows: Grade 8 and 9 Maths Mastery  (quite a large number of learner certificates received)—made possible by the support we were getting from our esteemed partner, Capitec Foundation. Grade 9 GEC Advocacy and Inclination Tests—conducted successfully by our very capable team under the leadership of our Deputy Principal, Mr. Myende. Grade 9 UKZN Career Youth Indaba—attended by the top 10 Grade 9 learners per class. EThekwini Municipality Speech Contest: Kungawo Madyibi (Gr 9A) represented the school very well. We are proud of her. EThekwini Municipality Youth Ambassador Workshops—Azande Ndimande and Siphokazi Makhanya continue to represent the school very well. We are proud of them. Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science, and Technology Our numbers are growing, with more Grade 10 learners qualifying on merit. Grade 10, 11, and 12 learners on the program are doing well , obtaining good results in math and science. We are behind them. In the Inqubeko Toyota Manufacturing Program—One Grade 12 learner has successfully qualified to join this program. We are proud of him and wish him all the best. While the class of 2024 continues to do well at various universities, UKZN, UNIZUL, UFS, and WITS,  we are also proud to share good stories of 1 learner from the class of 2024, Mtolo Sbongile, who is studying abroad . We wish them all the best. We are grateful for support from Umlazi District and UKZN for sponsoring our Saturdays, holidays, and weekend classes for mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences at UKZN. We are most grateful to parents who continue to support the school through prayers and   donations.  Your support is much appreciated. God bless you. Important notes to parents: 22 July 2025—Schools re-open for Term 3 Grade 8 and 9 Term 2 reports  will be issued to all learners on Friday, 25 July Grades 10-12 Term 2 reports  will be issued to learners on Friday, 8 August, since they will finish writing on 29 July. The Grade 12 Winter School  program will run for 2 weeks, starting from Monday, 7-12 July, and 14-18 July. These classes are compulsory and will be monitored by district officials. Capitec Women in STEM Careers  event will be attended by 10 Grade 11 girls on 15 August 2025 We urge parents to use this holiday to impart good moral values  on their children and to support their development into responsible citizens. Please also check and stock up on school uniforms, especially school pants, skirts, and shoes, as learners tend to outgrow these items fast and they neglect telling parents about it. We also urge parents to structure a working program that ensures that learners do some schoolwork on a daily basis. This must include some readin g as well as at least 1 hour of   mathematics practice on the Siyavula platform daily. We wish our learners, parents, and dedicated staff a happy and safe holiday break. Thank you Gcabashe G.P. (Principal)