Ulwazi High School

Home Affairs Brings Hope to Ulwazi Community Through Smart ID Card Initiative

By Akhona Matshele

The rollout of Smart ID Cards is currently underway at Ulwazi High School in the Buffalo City Education District, Eastern Cape. This initiative is benefiting both learners and the wider community, with a special focus on Grade 12 learners preparing for their final examinations.

Having a Smart ID Card enables learners to register for exams, apply for tertiary education, access employment opportunities, and receive essential government services without unnecessary delays.

This initiative demonstrates the value of bringing vital services closer to communities. Appreciation goes to the Department of Home Affairs for this important effort and to Ulwazi High School for partnering in support of learners and the broader community.

By Akhona Matshele

Department of Home Affairs Smart ID Registration Drive

Ulwazi High School, under the Buffalo City Education District in the Eastern Cape, is pleased to announce that officials from the Department of Home Affairs will visit the school tomorrow, Thursday, 6 August, at 09:00 to assist eligible learners with Smart ID applications.

This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for learners, particularly Grade 12 learners, who will require a valid identity document when writing their final examinations. A Smart ID is also essential for applying to universities and colleges, opening a bank account, seeking employment, and accessing many other important services.

All eligible learners are encouraged to make full use of this opportunity and to cooperate with the Department of Home Affairs officials throughout the registration process.

Secure your Smart ID today and unlock opportunities for tomorrow!

Empowering Learners to Shape a Brighter Future
By Akhona Matshele

The future of the Eastern Cape is being shaped in today's classrooms. Through the Youth Empowerment Initiative, learners are encouraged to believe in their potential, make responsible choices, and pursue their dreams with confidence.

On Friday, 31 July 2026, the initiative visited Ebenezer High School, where learners actively participated in leadership discussions, motivational talks, personal development sessions, educational activities, and book discussions. The programme inspired learners to discover their strengths, embrace discipline, and recognise that every positive decision brings them closer to success.

The Department of Education in the Eastern Cape continues to encourage programmes that equip learners with knowledge, values, and leadership skills beyond the classroom. Such partnerships play an important role in preparing young people to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

Learners are encouraged to remain focused on their education, respect their teachers and parents, read widely, and never stop believing in their ability to create a better future. Parents, educators, community leaders, and organisations are equally encouraged to continue investing in the growth and development of young people, because empowering learners today builds stronger communities tomorrow.

Together, we can inspire a generation that leads with purpose, learns with passion, and shapes a brighter future for the Eastern Cape and South Africa.

Grade 12 NSC Preparatory Examinations 2026 Final Timetable

By Akhona Matshele

The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Grade 12 Preparatory Examinations are an important milestone in preparing learners for the final NSC examinations in October/November 2026. These examinations provide learners, parents, guardians, educators, and schools with an opportunity to assess learners' readiness and identify areas that require additional attention before the final examinations.

The Preparatory Examinations will be conducted over a five-week period as determined by the Department of Basic Education, commencing on 20 August 2026 (Week 1) and concluding on 18 September 2026 (Week 5).

Following the examinations, schools will close for the September recess on 23 September 2026 and reopen on 6 October 2026.

Learners are encouraged to approach these examinations with dedication, discipline, and confidence. Consistent preparation, effective time management, and regular revision will contribute significantly to success in the final examinations. Every paper written is an opportunity to build confidence and improve performance.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide continuous support by creating a positive study environment, motivating learners, and ensuring regular attendance throughout the examination period. Educators are thanked for their commitment in preparing and guiding learners towards achieving their full potential.

Please refer to the attached final timetable for the examination dates, times, and subjects. We wish all Grade 12 learners every success as they prepare for this important examination.

National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Rewards Outstanding STEM Learners

By Akhona Matshele

The National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is currently visiting Ulwazi High School in the Eastern Cape under the Buffalo City Education District. As part of its commitment to supporting education and developing future professionals, the department has awarded bursaries to five outstanding learners who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in Mathematics, Science, and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.

These bursaries will enable the learners to pursue studies at institutions of higher learning after completing their basic education, enrolling in qualifications that address the country's critical and scarce skills needs.

We sincerely appreciate the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for this commendable initiative, which invests in the future of young people and contributes to South Africa's skills development.

We also congratulate Ulwazi High School for its continued commitment to producing academically outstanding learners. Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to the officials from the Buffalo City Education District and the School Governing Body (SGB) for being part of this important initiative and for their continued support of learner achievement.

The National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Visits Ulwazi High School

By Akhona Matshele

The National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will visit Ulwazi High School tomorrow in the Buffalo City Education District, Eastern Cape.

The purpose of the visit is to inspire learners to excel in Mathematics and Physical Sciences and to award bursaries to the five best-performing learners in these subjects. The bursaries will enable the recipients to further their studies at institutions of higher learning and pursue scarce-skills qualifications that are critical to South Africa's development.

Beyond recognising academic achievement, the visit aims to inspire all learners to realise the value of education as a pathway to opportunity and success. By investing in young people with exceptional potential, the Department is helping to remove financial barriers to higher education while encouraging more learners to pursue careers in engineering, the built environment, and other scarce-skills fields that are essential to the country's infrastructure development and economic growth.

This initiative reflects the Department's commitment to nurturing future professionals who will contribute to building a capable, skilled and prosperous South Africa. It also reinforces the message that dedication, hard work and excellence in Mathematics and Physical Sciences can unlock life-changing opportunities and empower learners to become active contributors to their communities and the nation's development.

The event will be attended by representatives from the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Buffalo City Education District, the School Governing Body, the Acting Principal, and the School Management Team, who will join in recognising and celebrating academic excellence while encouraging learners to strive for excellence and reach their full potential.

SAPS K9 Unit Empowers Ulwazi High School Learners Through Drug Awareness Campaign

By Akhona Matshele

As the third school term gets underway—often regarded as one of the most critical periods in the academic calendar—the South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 Unit from Ku Gompo City visited Ulwazi High School under the Buffalo City Education District earlier today to educate and empower learners.

The awareness programme targeted Grade 8 and 9 learners, focusing on the dangers of drug abuse, the devastating effects of addiction on health and well-being, and how substance abuse can lead to criminal behaviour, ruined futures, and lifelong consequences.

Accompanied by their highly trained K9 dogs, SAPS members also conducted random searches for drugs and dangerous weapons in five classrooms, promoting a safe and secure learning environment. The initiative formed part of a broader effort to prevent crime, raise awareness, and encourage learners to make responsible life choices.

Learners received valuable information on personal safety, available support services, and important contact details, while engaging presentations equipped them with the knowledge needed to resist negative influences and report concerning behaviour.

The programme also benefited educators and school staff, who were guided on the appropriate procedures to follow should incidents involving drugs or substance abuse arise within the school community.

Such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening partnerships between schools, law enforcement, parents, and the community. They help create safer schools, discourage criminal activity, and inspire young people to focus on their education and build brighter futures.

Ulwazi High School is commended for welcoming this important initiative, demonstrating its commitment to the safety and well-being of its learners. Appreciation is also extended to the South African Police Service K9 Unit and all stakeholders involved for investing their time and expertise in shaping informed, responsible, and resilient young citizens.

Provincial Bursary Advocacy Campaign and Application Drive

By Akhona Matshele

Investing in Education Today for a Skilled and Prosperous Eastern Cape Tomorrow

The Eastern Cape Department of Education is encouraging Grade 12 learners and unemployed youth to take advantage of the Provincial Bursary Advocacy Campaign and Application Drive, an initiative designed to support aspiring students in accessing higher education and building successful careers.

Young people who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree are encouraged to apply for the following bursary opportunities:

- Matthew Goniwe Teacher Bursary
- Funza Lushaka Teacher Bursary
- MEC Top Achievers Bursary
- Military Veterans Dependent Bursary

A Bachelor of Education degree equips future teachers with the knowledge, practical skills and professional values needed to shape the next generation. By choosing teaching as a career, young people not only invest in their own future but also contribute to improving the quality of education and developing skilled, responsible citizens for the Eastern Cape and South Africa.

Applying for these bursaries can ease the financial burden of higher education by covering eligible study costs, allowing deserving students to focus on achieving academic success. This opportunity can open doors to a meaningful profession while helping address the growing demand for qualified teachers.

Grade 12 learners at Ulwazi High School are especially encouraged to seize this opportunity by attending the bursary advocacy exhibition, engaging with representatives from higher education institutions, and applying for the available bursaries. Taking this important step now can help turn their educational aspirations into reality.

Application Requirements

- Matric results
- South African ID
- A valid and active email address

Representatives from higher education institutions will be available at the exhibitions to provide career guidance and assist prospective applicants with online bursary applications.

Learners and eligible youth are encouraged to attend the exhibition in their district. Be sure to check the district master schedule on the posters below for the dates and venues.

Invest in your future today. Your journey towards becoming a qualified educator starts with one application, and your success can help build a skilled, educated and prosperous Eastern Cape for generations to come.

Ulwazi High School Karate Star Set to Represent South Africa at the All Africa Kyokushinkaikan Karate Championship

By Akhona Matshele

Ulwazi High School, under the Buffalo City Education District, proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of Grade 11B learner Kuhle Gcwensa, who has been selected to represent South Africa at the All Africa Kyokushinkaikan Karate Championship, to be held at the Wynberg Military Base Multipurpose Sport Hall in Cape Town from 25–26 September 2026.

Kuhle began training in Kyokushin Karate in Grade 3 and, through years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance, has established herself as one of South Africa’s promising young karate athletes. Her consistent success at the South African National Championships has earned her the opportunity to compete against Africa’s best, where she will also have the chance to qualify for the 2027 World Kyokushinkaikan Karate Championship in Japan.

This remarkable achievement reflects the culture of excellence that Ulwazi High School continues to promote. The school remains committed to developing well-rounded learners who excel academically, in sport, and in other extracurricular activities.

Sport plays a vital role in building discipline, confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Kuhle’s journey serves as an inspiration to other learners, demonstrating that hard work, determination, and commitment can lead to extraordinary opportunities. As she prepares to wear the South African colours, the entire Ulwazi High School community wishes her every success as she proudly represents her school, province, and country.