Ridgeway College

Ridgeway College kicked off Term 3 with an outstanding sweep across all opening athletic engagements, securing victories in netball, soccer, and even chess.

Our students showed exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination — a powerful start to the term and a testament to their growing excellence.

Ridgeway extends heartfelt appreciation to Coach Melody, Coach Sugar, and Mr. Dibakwane. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment continue to shape our athletes into confident, capable competitors.

The time and passion they invest in our students make achievements like these possible.

A winning start. A proud community. A promising term ahead.

Ridgeway College’s Top 10 students distinguish themselves through disciplined behaviour and sustained focus, producing consistently superlative academic results.

In a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence and a youth culture absorbed by social media and self‑image, the ability to read, comprehend, and calculate is becoming the defining marker of the new elite.

Learners who can revise with intention, practise to mastery, and maintain behavioural discipline are positioning themselves for a future in which excellence is not optional but the minimum requirement for meaningful success.

Our Grade 9s took part in Kids’ Conference Africa through a focused History–Natural Sciences integration that actually mattered, rather than the usual brochure-speak. Here’s the distilled version.

They investigated how scientific change and historical context shape one another, using real sources, real evidence, and real-world examples. The work required them to research, analyse, argue, and present — not decorate posters.

The integration aligned cleanly with CAPS:
- In History, learners practised evidence-based enquiry, cause‑and‑effect reasoning, and source interpretation.
- In Natural Sciences, they applied scientific investigation skills, observation, and data analysis to understand how science drives societal change.

At the conference, they showcased how scientific ideas have influenced historical turning points — and how historical pressures have shaped scientific breakthroughs. Their presentations demonstrated critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and the ability to connect concepts across disciplines without being spoon-fed.

In short: our Grade 9s didn’t just attend Kids’ Conference Africa; they contributed meaningfully by showing how integrated learning produces sharper thinkers and more informed citizens.

Ridgeway College thanks Mr Dhlamini and Mr. Dibakwane for their superlative initiative, and, the opportunity they have created for our aspiring scientists.

On 25 July, from 08:00 to 12:00, Ridgeway College opens its doors for a one‑day experience designed especially for the newest and youngest members of our community.

Come explore our campus, meet our students and staff, and discover the energy, ambition, and spirit that make Ridgeway College the ideal place to begin your high‑school journey.If you want it bolder, here’s a more high‑impact alternative: 25 July • 08:00–12:00.

Ridgeway College is rolling out the welcome mat for future Ridgeway learners. Step onto our campus, connect with our students and staff, and get a real feel for the school that could shape your high‑school future. One morning. One opportunity. Come see what Ridgeway College is all about.

Ridgeway College has never been a turnkey institution. It is — and has always been — a build‑as‑we‑go project: a school constructed through commitment, resourcefulness and an unwavering focus on the holistic development of students.

The Biology Lab is one of many examples. The bricks that form its walls did not come from the same pocket that donated the microscopes — and neither arrived before the first classes, which once took place in a small house in Old Town.

Ridgeway has grown through layered contributions, careful stewardship and a shared belief in educational excellence.

Today, in 2026, under the leadership of H.O.D. and Life Sciences teacher Miss Ntuthang, we see the results of that long‑term investment.

Another group of young, disciplined and academically focused learners are completing their Life Sciences practical examination — a task that serves both as a term mark and as preparation for their upcoming Preliminary Examinations and, ultimately, Finals.

Ridgeway College remains grateful for its legacy of excellence and inclusion, and for the teachers who uphold it daily through expertise, consistency and dedication.

Ridgeway College examinations are a clear benchmark of each learner’s academic development.

Every student is taught the same curriculum, supported by qualified, dedicated teachers, and offered structured opportunities to revise, attend extra classes, and strengthen their understanding.

Because the learning conditions are equal, the differences in examination results reflect each learner’s individual level of preparation, discipline, and engagement with the material.

The marks they earn are a fair and accurate representation of the effort they have invested. A former Ridgeway College teacher once told students he would not wish them “good luck” but justice — because success or failure ultimately rests in their hands.

The examination process ensures that each learner receives exactly that: a just outcome aligned with their commitment, consistency, and work ethic.
Parents and guardians, we wish your children Justice... (and some luck)

Ridgeway College Unites for a Night of Football, Community and Bafana Pride.

Ridgeway College is gearing up for an unforgettable night as learners and parents come together to watch Bafana Bafana take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What would normally be an ordinary Thursday evening is about to transform into a full‑scale community celebration — Ridgeway style.

The school’s large hall will be converted into a vibrant fan zone, complete with a massive projector, powerful speakers, and the kind of electric atmosphere only South Africans can generate when Bafana Bafana walks onto the pitch.

The goal is simple: bring the Ridgeway community together, celebrate the spirit of the game, and kick off the World Cup with unity, noise and colour.

Food and refreshments will keep the energy high throughout the night. A variety of non‑alcoholic drinks, snacks, and confectionaries will be on sale, ensuring that supporters can settle in, enjoy the match, and share the excitement with friends and family.

From the first whistle to the final minute, the hall will echo with cheers, commentary, and the unmistakable rhythm of South African football culture.

More than just a screening, the event is a reminder of what makes Ridgeway College unique: a community that shows up, stands together, and celebrates together.

Whether you’re there for the football, the atmosphere, or simply the joy of being part of something bigger, this promises to be a night to remember.
One game. One community. One Ridgeway experience.

The Netball season opened with fiery results as Ridgeway College faced Champions Academy.
The Junior team dominated 17–1, with Zoe, Murendwa, and Lungile delivering clinical finishing in the shooting circle.

The Senior girls were equally ruthless, overwhelming their opponents with a commanding 28–3 victory.With Provincial‑level competitors such as Nhlawuleko Hlavangani and Vhugala Mafela on the squad, such performances come as no surprise.

Although neither athlete progressed to Provincials this year, their superlative skill and on‑court leadership were unmistakable as both shooters steered their teams to emphatic wins.

Ridgeway College extends sincere appreciation to Ms Ntuthang and Coach Melody for the dedication, expertise, and countless hours invested in developing our netballers.

Subject Integration at Ridgeway College:

At Ridgeway College, learning is designed to be connected and meaningful. Subject integration brings together knowledge, skills and concepts from different subjects so learners can see how ideas link across disciplines.

This approach strengthens understanding, improves retention and builds confident critical thinking and problem solving skills, while making learning more engaging and relevant.

This term, Mr Dhlamini (Social Sciences) and Mr Dibakwane (Natural Sciences) collaborated on an integrated project combining:

- History: The Nuclear Age and the Cold War
- Natural Sciences: Acids, Bases and Chemical Reactions

Learners explored how scientific discoveries in chemistry contributed to the development of nuclear technology and nuclear weapons. They investigated the scientific principles behind chemical substances, reactions and radioactive materials, while also examining the political and social impact of nuclear weapons during the Nuclear Age.

Through experiments, discussions and collaborative tasks, learners connected historical events with scientific concepts — gaining a deeper understanding of how science, technology and society influence one another.

Ridgeway College thanks Mr. Dhlamini and Mr. Dibakwane for devising such inclusive and academically sound global teaching practices.

PHAPHUKA LOWAN: RISING WITH INTENTION — FROM MATRIC 2021 TO DOUBLE GRADUATE IN 2026

At just 23 years old, Phaphuka Lowan stands as a powerful example of what happens when discipline meets purpose. When he walked out of high school in 2021, he carried with him the same uncertainty many young people feel — the pressure to choose a path, the fear of choosing the wrong one, and the quiet hope that life would guide him where he was meant to be.

Today, in 2026, he is a double graduate, having completed both his BCom in Financial Accounting and his Diploma in Business Administration in record time. His journey is not just an academic achievement; it is a story of growth, clarity, and the courage to commit to a future that once felt out of reach.

What makes Phaphuka’s story remarkable is that accounting was never his first dream. He once imagined himself in mechanical engineering — a completely different world. But life has a way of redirecting us toward the places where our strengths can flourish. When he stepped into the world of accounting, something clicked. What began as a degree he never planned to pursue became the field he fell in love with.

Along the way, he discovered the truth behind a phrase he had heard many times but never fully understood:
“You’re in charge of your future.”

Back then, it sounded like a cliché. Now, after years of sacrifice, late nights, and relentless focus, he understands it deeply. You reap what you sow. The thoughts you entertain, the habits you build, the work you put in when no one is watching — these are the seeds that shape your destiny.

Phaphuka believes that a goal without daily action is nothing more than a fantasy. You cannot dream your way into success; you must work your way into it. A seed that is never planted, watered, or nurtured will never grow. His academic journey reflects this truth: consistent effort, intentional choices, and a refusal to give up even when the road felt overwhelming.

Now, with two qualifications behind him, he is setting his sights on becoming a professionally designated accountant. The path ahead is challenging, and he admits that some days it feels almost impossible. But impossibility has never stopped him before. If anything, it has pushed him to rise higher.

His story is a reminder to every young person that your future is not determined by where you start, but by what you choose to nurture. It is a reminder that discipline is a form of self‑love, and that the life you want is built quietly, consistently, and intentionally.

Phaphuka Lowan has planted his seeds — and his future is already beginning to bloom.