eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba visited Star College Durban on Thursday to celebrate the institution’s 25 years of academic excellence, encouraging learners to prioritise education as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future for South Africa.
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eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba visited Star College Durban on Thursday to celebrate the institution’s 25 years of academic excellence, encouraging learners to prioritise education as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future for South Africa.
The visit, held on 15 May 2026, formed part of a special anniversary programme hosted at the school campus. Xaba was welcomed by Horizon Educational Trust Secretary-General, Mustafa Eroglu, and school principal, Ahmed Kayya, before receiving flowers from head prefects and participating in a walkabout through the campus.
The programme featured performances and messages from learners and educators, including a national anthem presentation by primary school pupils, a classical dance performance, addresses by Mustafa Eroglu and Principal Kaya, messages from the head boy and head girl, followed by the mayor’s keynote address, a token of appreciation ceremony, musical performances and refreshments.
Despite his demanding public schedule, Mayor Xaba attended the event to personally congratulate the school and encourage learners to remain focused on academic achievement.
eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba visited Star College Durban on Thursday to celebrate the institution’s 25 years of academic excellence, encouraging learners to prioritise education as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future for South Africa.
Image: Supplied
“It gives me pleasure to stand before you today and I feel honoured,” the mayor said. “On behalf of the City of eThekwini, we wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Star College on celebrating 25 years of academic excellence, dedication and outstanding achievements.”
The mayor said the milestone represented more than the passing of time, describing it as a celebration of dreams nurtured and lives transformed through education.
“This occasion is not only a celebration of the years of this school’s existence, but also a celebration of the countless dreams that have been nurtured within these walls, the lives that have been transformed through education and the bright future that lies ahead for every learner who has passed through the school,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of quality education in shaping the country’s future, Xaba described schools such as Star College as “centres of hope, innovation, leadership and social progress.”
“To the learners gathered here today, you are the future presidents, ministers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists and teachers,” he said. “South Africa and the global community will one day depend on your knowledge, your skills, your creativity and, most importantly, your values.”
The mayor further stressed that while the world continues to evolve through artificial intelligence and technological advancement, ethical leadership, compassion and integrity remain essential.
eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba visited Star College Durban on Thursday to celebrate the institution’s 25 years of academic excellence, encouraging learners to prioritise education as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future for South Africa.
Image: Supplied
“The world will always need leaders who are not only intelligent, but also kind, ethical, and committed to justice and equality,” Xaba said.
Quoting former president Nelson Mandela, Xaba reminded learners that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” encouraging them to work hard, remain disciplined and believe in their potential.
Principal Ahmed Kayya thanked the mayor for taking time from his busy schedule to attend the event, saying his presence offered motivation to learners and recognition for the school’s commitment to excellence.
“Having the Mayor with us today, despite his busy schedule, is deeply meaningful for our learners. It shows that education matters and that young people’s futures are important,” Kaya said.
“For 25 years, Star College has remained committed to nurturing academic excellence, discipline and values that prepare our learners to contribute positively to South Africa.”
Meanwhile, Mustafa Eroglu said education remained one of the most important investments any society could make and pledged continued educational investment in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The future of South Africa will not only be shaped in offices or politics, but inside schools and classrooms like this one,” Eroglu said.
He added that Horizon Educational Trust hopes to work with local stakeholders and leadership to expand access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities and township areas.
“We believe schools like this can bring hope to many more communities across Durban, especially in township areas where quality education is still urgently needed,” Eroglu said. “With cooperation and support from local leadership and stakeholders, it becomes possible to open more schools, create more opportunities, and help more young people reach their potential.”
eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba visited Star College Durban on Thursday to celebrate the institution’s 25 years of academic excellence, encouraging learners to prioritise education as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future for South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Eroglu also signalled plans for new educational investments in the province, saying the organisation aims to expand opportunities for learners through future schooling initiatives.
Since its first matriculating class in 2005, Star College Durban has maintained an exceptional academic track record, recording 20 consecutive years without a single matric failure. The school has consistently achieved a 100% matric pass rate, reinforcing its reputation as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading institutions committed to academic excellence.
In the 2025 Matric results, the school achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate among 86 candidates, with learners earning 298 subject distinctions and an average of 3.47 A symbols per candidate, highlighting the institution’s commitment to educational achievement and student success.