As the Matric Class of 2025 celebrates a historic national pass rate of 88% – the highest in the country’s history – the spotlight has fallen on learners whose individual journeys reflect resilience, discipline and unwavering faith.
From the Western Cape to Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa’s top achievers have shown that excellence is not shaped by circumstance alone, but by perseverance, purpose and belief.
Abigail Kok, a learner from York High School in the Western Cape, emerged as the Top National Achiever in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. Speaking to SAnews, Abigail said the achievement still feels unreal.
“Right now, it feels completely surreal. I honestly did not expect this at all,” she said with a huge smile on her face.
Known for her academic brilliance, sporting excellence and leadership, Abigail said her greatest challenge was learning to manage her own high expectations.
“Striving for perfection in academics, sport and leadership caused stress. Over time, I learnt that doing your best is enough, that saying ‘no’ is not failure, and that setbacks are stepping stones rather than the end of the journey,” she said.
Her matric year was defined by discipline and balance, a carefully structured timetable, consistent effort and a conscious effort to avoid procrastination.
“For me, the big thing in getting here was to try and avoid procrastination. It's very difficult. YouTube Shorts is really amazing when you have to study but having a timetable, working consistently throughout the year, maintaining balance through sport and culture, and remembering to thank God made the difference,” she said.
Abigail credits her primary school principal, Van Wyk Dames, as a lasting source of inspiration, describing him as a leader who embodied integrity, compassion and respect for every learner.
Beyond the classroom, she balanced First Team Hockey and Squash, served as Headgirl, and was Vice-Chairperson of the RCL, while playing a leading role in initiatives such as a cellphone-free school policy, an online tutoring system and her school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Looking ahead, Abigail plans to study at Stellenbosch University, where she has registered for Actuarial Science, with hopes of transitioning into Data Science.
Her message to the Class of 2026 is heartfelt: “Work hard, try your best and don’t procrastinate. Very importantly, enjoy the year. It’s such a special year and your last chance to be a child. Laugh, enjoy it, and you’ve got this.”
Rising from setbacks to top Accounting achiever
From Khweha Commercial School in Limpopo, Mutshidzi Audrey Ramovha, was named the Top Achiever in Accounting in Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools, a moment she describes as both unexpected and deeply affirming.
“I am very happy. I didn’t expect this, but it is an amazing experience to see myself here,” she told SAnews.
Mutshidzi’s journey was shaped by a difficult transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10, when her academic performance declined sharply. Instead of giving up, she sought support from a social worker who reminded her of her potential.
Inspired by the strength and sacrifices of her grandmother, Mutshidzi set herself a powerful goal, which is to change her family’s story.
“I want to be the first in my family to go to university and to give my grandmother a life that reflects her worth,” she said.
Her determination translated into results. She earned multiple awards as the top learner in Economics, Business Studies and Accounting, and was recognised among the top three learners in her circuit.
Speaking about what carried her through, she said: “It was determination. I studied hard, even when I didn’t think I would be here. But by God’s grace, I am here.”
Her advice to the Class of 2026 is rooted in sacrifice and focus.
“Whatever goal or dream you have, persevere and be determined. Do what is required of you, be it morning and evening studies. Even if it means being off social media, do it. Remember your goal and remember who you are doing it for,” she said.
Mutshidzi aspires to study Chartered Accountancy, inspired daily by the CEO of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and guided by her favourite reminder: “Your background does not define your future”.
A perfect score built on ownership and prayer
In Mpumalanga, Siyanda Welcome Nkuna from Inkomazi Secondary School achieved what few learners ever do - 100% in Mathematics - earning 300 out of 300 marks and securing his place as the Top Achiever in Mathematics.
For Siyanda, success came through personal accountability and faith.
“Before I started studying, I prayed to God to help me. I had many sleepless nights, my brain was tired, but in the exam I could remember everything I had learnt,” he said.
One of his biggest academic challenges was Organic Chemistry in Physical Sciences. Instead of blaming circumstances, Siyanda took responsibility, using online resources to master the subject and ultimately become the top-performing learner.
He credits his teacher, Mr Mpapane, for teaching him not only Mathematics, but the value of education itself.
“He taught me that education can change your life,” he said.
Siyanda’s achievements include being the best Mathematics learner for the entire 2025 academic year, excelling at the SAICA June Camp, and ranking among the top learners in Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Sciences.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Hard work pays off. Here I am today – it paid off.”
Quoting scripture, Siyanda offered encouragement to the Class of 2026.
“The pain you are feeling now is nothing compared to the joy that is coming. The pain of studying this year will be nothing compared to the joy next year,” he said.
He plans to study Bachelor of Accounting at the University of Johannesburg, with the goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant. – SAnews.gov.za
