Menzi High School teachers' success rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai

Teachers from Menzi High School in Umlazi have returned rejuvenated and motivated after an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai, an incentive organised by the Solwazi Foundation to reward educators for their consistent dedication and exceptional results.

The five-day trip, aimed to celebrate the school’s continued excellence and provide teachers with a well-deserved break before the demanding final examination period.

The trip came as World Teachers' Day was marked on October 5.

The school achieved a 100% matric pass rate in 2024, a 99.6% pass rate in 2023 and maintained a 100% pass rate for 11 years between 2011 and 2022.

Menzi High teacher Siphosethu Zulu described the experience as “unreal” and said she was overwhelmed with joy when the announcement was made.

“It honestly felt unreal! From the moment the announcement was made until we actually boarded the plane, it all felt like a dream. My first reaction was to let out the loudest scream of excitement; I just couldn’t believe it!” she said.

Zulu said the trip was a gesture of appreciation for the teachers’ hard work.

“The main purpose of the trip was to reward and appreciate the teachers of Menzi High School for their hard work and unwavering dedication to producing excellent results year after year,” she said.

While in Dubai, the group visited the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, and enjoyed a desert safari and dinner overlooking the famous fountain show. “It was truly mind-blowing,” said Zulu.

The trip, she added, was not only a reward but a reminder of the importance of personal growth for educators. “Traveling to Dubai opened my eyes to how much more there is to explore in the world, and it inspired me to set new goals for myself. As teachers, we dedicate ourselves to helping our learners become professionals, but sometimes, they come back to find us exactly where they left us. This experience reminded me that we too deserve to grow, explore, and dream bigger,” said Zulu.

Principal Nozipho Ndlanya said the initiative formed part of the school’s long-standing staff motivation programme. “The trip was first announced in January during our annual awards event, which we hold after the release of the matric results. During this event, we recognise learners who achieve an aggregate of 80% and above, with a minimum of four distinctions,” she explained.

She said the Solwazi Foundation, which runs the awards programme, also sponsored previous staff incentive trips to Port Edward in 2019 and Cape Town in 2022. “Our Dubai experience spanned five days and featured a well-planned itinerary, including a city tour, thrilling dune drives, and luxurious accommodation in a five-star hotel,” said Ndlanya.

Reflecting on the experience, Ndlanya said it was both refreshing and unifying. “Being away from the daily pressures of school allowed me to reflect on my work with a clear mind. I returned feeling refreshed, more focused, and ready to face the challenges of the final term with renewed energy and a positive attitude. It was not only refreshing but also uplifting because I got to bond with colleagues in a relaxed environment,” she said.

Ndlanya added that such initiatives are crucial for teacher morale and mental wellness. “Experiences like the Dubai trip provide teachers with a much-needed opportunity to relax, reflect, and recharge, which helps to prevent burnout and promotes overall well-being,” she said.

Both educators said the trip had reignited their motivation as they lead learners into the final examination period. “This experience has truly re-energised me for the final stretch of the year,” said Zulu. “I’ve returned with a fresh sense of purpose and positivity, ready to give my best as we prepare learners for their final exams.”

THE MERCURY