By Special Correspondent:
Nestled in the quiet rural landscape of Herschel, beneath the towering silhouette of the majestic Makalakala Mountain, stands Tlokweng Sen Secondary School, an institution that proves excellence does not belong only to wealthy suburbs or well-resourced private academies. It belongs to communities powered by vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
For decades, this village school has quietly achieved what many urban institutions only aspire to: producing top-performing learners, sustaining a culture of academic rigour, and consistently ranking among the province’s best.
Tribute to the Golden Era of Walaza
Tlokweng’s journey of excellence was shaped during its golden era under the leadership of former principal Mr Patrick Walaza, a man widely regarded as a lateral thinker, pioneer, and transformative force in Eastern Cape education. For more than 15 consecutive years, the school held the number one position in its district—an accomplishment rooted in Mr Walaza’s intentional leadership, deep community collaboration, and relentless pursuit of quality education.
A decade after his retirement, his legacy remains visible in every classroom, every learner, and every achievement the school proudly celebrates.
Today, the school is led by Principal Mr. Lethotha Lethoba and Vice Principal Mr. Teboho Mpeke, both of whom served under Mr. Walaza during their early teaching years. They represent a generation of educators shaped by his values—discipline, dedication, and an unwavering belief that every child can achieve greatness regardless of circumstance. Under their guidance, Tlokweng continues to excel, producing outstanding academic outcomes while operating with extremely limited resources.
Yet even these achievements cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the socioeconomic context in which they occur. Most of the children who attend Tlokweng survive on their grandmothers’ social grants. They come from households with little to no income, limited infrastructure, and minimal educational resources. Many walk long distances to school, often on an empty stomach. And yet, against these odds, they rise with courage, resilience, and determination that outshines their circumstances.
Tlokweng’s philosophy sets it apart
In a country where many high schools steer learners away from pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences to protect their pass rates, Tlokweng stands firm in prioritising learners’ futures over statistics. The school understands that careers in engineering, commerce, medicine and science require pure Mathematics,not Mathematical Literacy.
This bold stance continues to yield remarkable results. For several consecutive years, Tlokweng has placed at least two learners in the provincial Top 5, consistently outperforming several well-funded private schools—an achievement that astonishes visitors and inspires communities across the Eastern Cape.
Behind this success is a team of teachers whose dedication is nothing short of extraordinary. At Tlokweng, teaching is not a profession, it is a calling. Morning classes begin as early as January. Every school holiday becomes an academic camp. Weekends are transformed into revision marathons. Teachers sacrifice evenings, rest days, and often their own personal resources to ensure learners are fully supported. Many describe Tlokweng educators as individuals who “breathe, eat, and think their subjects.”
This culture of service extends far beyond the classroom
The school’s alumni community is deeply involved, returning to mentor, guide, and support the next generation. Among them is Dr. Zuko Mdandalaza, a distinguished former learner who sponsors awards for top achievers in Mathematics and Science. His contribution reflects a broader pattern of graduates returning to uplift the institution that shaped their futures.
Yet for all its triumphs, Tlokweng faces daily hardships that no high-performing school should endure.
The level of poverty is such that the school has no running water. Teachers and learners depend on rainwater collected in JoJo tanks. Both staff and students rely on pit toilets because there is no infrastructure for hygienic sanitation.
Internet access is a luxury, and a school hall never existed
The school’s only computer lab was won as a prize in a science project competition by then-Physics teacher, now Vice Principal, Mr. Teboho Mpeke, who represented South Africa abroad in China and the USA. Despite this, the school has not had a functioning science laboratory since the early 1980s. Learners depend on YouTube videos to observe chemical reactions.
Internet access is a luxury. The School Governing Body must continually scrape together funds to keep the school connected in an increasingly digital world.
Tlokweng has never had a school hall. For decades, assemblies and meetings were held outdoors, vulnerable to weather changes. Only recently did the school manage to raise enough funds to build a roofed structure connecting two buildings—offering at least some protection from harsh sun, wind and rain, even though the sides remain open.
Yet Tlokweng’s story stretches far beyond its classrooms. The surrounding villages are steeped in history and heroism. The school rests in the shadow of Makalakala Mountain, whose beauty rivals even Table Mountain within the Drakensberg range. To the south, a short walk leads to the source of the Orange River, its waters threading through narrow mountain passes from Lesotho into South Africa.
A region of heroes and a passage for freedom fighters
This broader region is the homeland of struggle stalwart A.P. Mda, father of renowned writer Zakes Mda. A.P. Mda was instrumental in founding the ANC Youth League alongside leaders such as Nelson Mandela, who is known to have visited this village for strategic discussions.
Not far from the school lies the Telle Bridge border post, a crossing used by many struggle heroes fleeing apartheid persecution into Lesotho. Among them was Daily Dispatch Editor, Donald Woods, forced into exile for being viewed as an ANC sympathiser and a friend of Black Consciousness here, Steve Biko
More than a school – a national treasure
Right at the school’s entrance stands the former home of Mr. Phoofolo Kakudi, who served as a cabinet minister in the Transkei under Major-General Bantu Holomisa, then military Head of State. The heroes who hail from this soil are too many to list individually. Their spirit of resilience, courage and defiance lives on in the learners of Tlokweng Sen Secondary.
Tlokweng is more than a school. It is a national treasure. A story of endurance, innovation, and hope. Proof that brilliance grows everywhere—even in the most overlooked corners of our country.
We see you, Tlokweng. We honour you. And South Africa deserves to know your beautiful story. -@NewsSA_Online
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