A tribute to matric resilience: The remarkable stories of South Africa’s top achievers

Hours before the announcement of the official release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, some of the country's top achievers from the matric class of 2025 have shared their stories of resilience, which helped pave the way for their success in matric this past year.

This comes as the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, celebrated the country's 42 top achievers from the Matric Class of 2025 during her annual breakfast event in Fairlands, Johannesburg, on Monday morning.

The event showcased the extraordinary stories of 42 high achievers who have surmounted various challenges on their path to success.

Among them is Takunda Muchweni, a standout student from Jan Kriel School in Kuilsriver, situated in the Western Cape. Takunda's story is testament to the strength of the human spirit, as she navigated her educational journey while overcoming significant obstacles due to her disability, including a recent hospital stay. Her experience embodies the challenges faced by students across the country, proving that with dedication and hard work, one can rise above adversity.

Her mother, Tamari Muchweni, speaking on the challenges her 18-year-old daughter had to face, revealed that resilience paved the way for Takunda's academic achievements.

"It is a proud moment for us as a family. We are really beyond excited, but more importantly, we are also grateful that we could be here today. This is a dream we never thought could be achieved due to our child's disability, which affects her health and day-to-day function," she said.

During Takunda's hospital stay ahead of her exams, Tamari revealed that the family's visit included lots of studying while she was recovering in the hospital. The 18-year-old will study Industrial Psychology.

"There were nights she could not sleep because she was in pain. However, throughout that, she was studying. She was communicating with her teachers. We had to bring her books so she could study while in the hospital," the mother said.

"I am very proud of myself because this journey was quite difficult. However, I could not have done it without the help of my parents," Takunda stated.

For KZN top achiever, Simesihle Khuzwayo, a learner from the King Bhekuzulu College in Nongoma, her health challenges required her to dig even deeper to catch up with her schoolwork, after missing a part of her academic calendar.

"During my matric year, I felt sick and missed most of my Winter classes. However, despite this, I had to try and catch up, which meant a great deal of studying through the use of TikTok and calling my teachers at the wee hours. I watched a lot of videos and even found tutors on social media," she stated.

Khuzwayo intends to study medicine, which she said is a choice inspired by her recent and prior health challenges, as well as her childhood experiences.

"As someone who is sickly, I will be studying medicine this year, simply because of my health challenges. It is something I really want to do," she added.

Waking up at 4am to fetch water has become second nature for Sanele Vilakazi from Makause Combined School, who resides in an informal settlement in Waya Waya, Ogies.

The young man, who wants to study Data Science, believes that dedication and perseverance have contributed to his success, which he hopes to take with him as he ventures into his university life.

"In Waya Waya, there is no electricity, and there is no water. Every morning and afternoon, I had to go to the river to fetch water, and that was the worst challenge in my matric year."

Remarking on the resilience and dedication shown by the top achievers, Gwarube thanked the group as well as their parents and teachers, who have contributed to their overall success.

"Behind every high-achieving learner is a home that made sacrifices. A home that chose discipline over comfort, encouragement over despair...To the teachers watching from classrooms, across the country, as they prepare to receive learners back to school, this celebration is yours too," she said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za