Who we are

Learners Code of Conduct
Vision, Mission, Values
Achievements
History
 INTRODUCTION

Velabahleke was established for servicing Umkhumbane, a famous Black Shack-settlement (Cato manor), on the outskirts of the city of Durban. However, due to the notorious Group Areas Act of 1950, the settlement was demolished and the school was then moved to Umlazi in 1964 where it is presently built. The school is almost surrounded by shacks from which it draws its learner population.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

The school’s first Principal was Mr D. Zulu. By that time, it had only grades 5, 6 and 7. In the early 70’s under the new principal Mr M. Mzindle the school was upgraded into a Junior Secondary School. Sad to say, in 1989 Mr Mzindle left for a better world because he could not withstand political strain because of his ill health. In 1990 a young new principal Mr M.T. Mtshali was appointed to take charge of the school. Besides being tasked with bringing back stability to the school, he was also charged with the task of upgrading the school physically and academically. Initially, the school had only ten classes, now it has seventeen additional classes, and one administration block. The School has since converted two classrooms, one into a library and the other into a computer class. Mr M. Mtshali in December 2015 after having fathered and served this institution for 25 years. The school will always be grateful to him for his profound remarkable contribution. In January 2016 to December 2016, Mr Z.T. Siyothula was appointed an Acting Principal of the school and he continued to maintain the school’s culture of its academic excellence. In December 2016, Mr B.C. Mhlongo was officially appointed to take charge of the school.

MISSION STATEMENT

Velabahleke High School as a beacon of Excellence which is committed to producing quality learners, who will not only market the school but also market themselves as employable and less government dependent individuals, and provide quality service.

MATRIC ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
From 1996 to 2016
19961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009
99%96%97%100%95%96%95%90%93%94%97%93%98%93%
 
2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
93%99%97.3%96.6%96.7%96.5%98.6%98.92%100%98.6%

It is worth noting that, ever-since the school became a high school, it has never scored anything below 90%
OUTSTANDING MATRIC INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
  • In 2006 Nhlumayo Khulekani - scored 5 distinctions and excelled in both Maths and Physics with 100%. As a result the Former Premier Sbusiso Ndebele, accompanied by the Former MEC of Education Ina Cronje, came to congratulate him and the school for his achievemen and committed 20 new computers to the school to replace the old and outdated computers that were donated by a Germany Foundation to start a computer class.
  • In 2008 Khumalo Chosen and Zondi Sfundo - both obtained 7 distinctions in their matric result. Khumalo Chosen strove for excellence against all odds hence an orphan. Zindela Thobile - scored 5 distinctions and crowned her results With 100% in Maths.
  • In 2009 Vezi Thamsanqa excelled with 8 distinctions and 100% in both Maths and Accounting. As a result the former District Director Mr M. Ntombela presented him with a highly advanced and expensive laptop. Thamsanqa’s recognition of his outstanding achievement by Mr M. Ntombela served as a consolation because the boy was highly unfortunate in many ways, one of which was non recognition of his achievement by the Provincial Department of Education.
  • Khathi Nduduzo came with 5 distinctions.
    • In 2010
  • Mkhize Sboniso obtained 7 distinctions.
  • Mqadi Zanele and Mbatha Snenhlanhla came with 6 distinctions.
    • In 2011
  • Zitha Phakamile and Gwala Nosihle topped with 8 distinctions.
  • Nhlumayo Sanelisiwe obtained 7 distinctions.
  • Gcwensa Nokuphila and Gumede Goodenough came with 6 distinctions.
  • Sibisi Sibahle got 5 distinctions.
  • Gubela Nothando, Putini Nozipho and Mofokend Brian achieved 4 distinctions.
  • Shezi Thobelani. Ngwabe Lindokuhle, Majola Pinky, Sokhela Sibusiso, Khumalo Nkululeko and Madlala Nobuhle all got 3 distinctions.
  • In 2013 • Shezi Lwazi broke the record by obtaining 10 distinctions. • Ncwane Simphiwe obtained 9 disctinctions • Just to mention only a few.
  • In 2014 • Dlamini Kim obtained 8 distinctions.
  • In 2015 • Mpangase Lwandile obtained 8 distinctions.
  • In 2016 • Nxumalo Scebi obtained 8 distinctions. • Zulu Nombuso also obtained 7 distinctions. • Linda Lulama obtained 6 distinctions.
  • In 2017 • Lusiba Mvelo obtained 9 distinctions
  • In 2018 • Londiwe Bhengu obtained 8 distinctions.
  • In 2019
    • Thandolwethu Gumede obtained 8 distinctions. NB: Over the years the school has acquired uncountable District and Provincial accolades for its academic excellence.
    • A grade 11 girl, Msubo Ntombikayise, was awarded a scholarship to further her education at an International School in Swaziland. • The Department of education converted a class into a COMPUTER LAB fully equipped with the most advanced Computer equipments. The School is highly grateful to the Department of Education for the six classes that were handed over to the school on the 16th of April 2010. These classes came as a great relief to the school.
    • SAPREF has since overhauled our old dilapidated SCIENCE LAB and also established a SAPREF SATURDAY SCHOOL which caters for learners who are doing Maths, Physical Sciences and English in grade 12 only.

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    EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS
    • In 2008 the school had a choir for the first time and obtained positions 2 and 3.
    • In 2009 the school obtained positions 1, 2 and 3.
    • In 2011 the school Afro Gospel group obtained position 1 and represented the District at the Provincial competitions.
    • In 2016 the School Debate Society got position 1 at the SONA debate and again represented Umlazi District at Provincial level and obtained position 3
    • Youth Managers Foundation (YMF) was awarded position 3 for the school that implemented extra ordinary ideas of change.
    • Arts and culture activities. Position 1 and 2 in praise poetry and Amahubo in 2019

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    POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
    Partnership between Leeds City Council and Velabahleke High School through Book Smart Foundation in 1998.
    • Book Smart distributed books from Chicago and Leeds to schools affiliated to Book Smart Foundation.
    • Twinning of Velabahleke High School with Temples Moor High School in Leeds which came as a result of Book Smart Foundation.
    • 2000 principal visited Temple Moor High School.
    • 2001 Mark Prothero, science Educator from Temple Moor came to Velabahleke High School.
    • 2001 Temple Moor Sixth Form raised 1000 pounds for the learners who come from the most difficult backgrounds.
    • 2002 Velabahleke High School was invited to perform in the 2000 Breeze Festival in Leeds, UK.
    • 17 learners travelled to UK to perform cultural activities and were accompanied by five educators.
    • Durban Metro City Council financed the trip.
    • CHS Development (2014) – funding of the award ceremony and revision classes.
    2006
    • The climax of the partnership resulted in the production of amaZulu, (Children of Heaven) documentary of Velabahleke High School by the University of Leeds in UK.
    2014
    • CHS development came on board after Lwazi Shezi’s outstanding results of 10 distinctions, there after CHS Development adopted the school.
    • They have since sponsored the school’s revision programme and the school awards programme which occurs annually.

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