Key Takeaways
- Lerato Ramabodu, a 31-year-old teacher, has achieved a 100% pass rate in physical science for his matric class of 2025.
- This is not the first time Ramabodu has achieved this feat, as he has been doing so since 2017 when he started teaching the subject.
- Ramabodu attributes his success to support from parents, time, and hard work, as well as his strategy of ensuring no child is left behind.
- He has been teaching at various schools, including Lekgulo Senior Secondary School, Sekgutlong Secondary School, and currently Makwane Secondary School, where he is the deputy principal.
- Ramabodu’s achievement has been praised by the basic education minister, Siviwe Gwarube, who highlighted the performance of no-paying schools like Makwane as an encouraging indicator of progress in the education system.
Introduction to Lerato Ramabodu
Lerato Ramabodu is a 31-year-old teacher who has made headlines for achieving a 100% pass rate in physical science for his matric class of 2025. This is not a one-time feat, as Ramabodu has been consistently achieving this level of success since 2017 when he started teaching the subject. Born in Phomolong near Hennenman in the Free State, Ramabodu initially wanted to pursue a career in radiography, but due to space limitations at the University of Free State, he decided to switch to teaching. It was a decision that would ultimately lead him to discover his true calling, as he fell in love with teaching by his second year.
Ramabodu’s Teaching Career
Ramabodu’s teaching career has been marked by numerous achievements, including his 100% pass rate in physical science, which he first achieved at the age of 21 while teaching at Lekgulo Senior Secondary School in Phuthaditjhaba. In 2022, he was appointed head of department for physical science at Sekgutlong Secondary School in Monontsha, QwaQwa. Currently, he is the deputy principal at Makwane Secondary School, where he has continued to achieve excellent results. Despite being in a management position, Ramabodu still teaches, as he wants to groom other teachers to be better than him. His dedication to his students and his subject is evident in his approach to teaching, which includes ensuring that no child is left behind and investing time in those who are struggling.
Recipe for Success
So, what is Ramabodu’s recipe for success? According to him, it is a combination of support from parents, time, and hard work. He believes that his strategy of ensuring that no child is left behind, as well as his investment of time in his students, has been key to his success. During lunch, he assesses chapters that his pupils struggled to understand in class, and he also strengthens the chapters they find easy to ensure they secure good marks. This approach has clearly paid off, as his students have consistently achieved excellent results. Additionally, Ramabodu’s extra classes, which start at 6am and sometimes go into the night, have also contributed to his success. He has also praised the support of parents, who make arrangements to ensure their children arrive safely at home after late classes.
Praise from the Basic Education Minister
Ramabodu’s achievement has not gone unnoticed, as he has been praised by the basic education minister, Siviwe Gwarube. During the announcement of the matric results, Gwarube highlighted the performance of no-paying schools like Makwane, saying that they stood out as one of the most encouraging indicators of progress in the education system. She praised the determination of students who study by candlelight, share textbooks, and travel far, and noted that when this determination meets dedicated teaching, committed school leadership, and a supportive district, the results can be extraordinary. Ramabodu’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of teachers, students, and parents, and serves as an inspiration to others in the education sector.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite the challenges he faced, Ramabodu has achieved remarkable success. When he took over teaching physical science at Makwane Secondary School, the school had achieved an 81% pass rate in 2024. However, under his guidance, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in 2025. Ramabodu has attributed his success to teamwork, saying that it was not about him, but about the collective effort of his colleagues and students. He has also gone the extra mile to ensure that his students succeed, sometimes visiting their homes to teach them. His dedication and perseverance have clearly paid off, as his students have achieved excellent results. As Ramabodu continues to inspire and motivate his students, his achievement serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, determination, and teamwork in achieving success.