Matric Class of 2025 celebrated during minister's breakfast event

In a heartfelt ceremony held on Monday morning in Fairlands, Johannesburg, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, paid tribute to the exceptional achievements of South Africa's 42 top matric achievers from the Class of 2025.

This annual breakfast event took place just hours before the highly anticipated release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, creating a perfect blend of excitement and nervous energy among the country’s matriculants.

Among this year’s standout performers is Takunda Muchweni, a remarkable student from Jan Kriel School in Kuilsriver, Western Cape. Despite battling health challenges linked to her disability, Takunda’s academic journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Her mother, Tamari Muchweni, shared how the family's unwavering support has been pivotal in Takunda’s success.

"This 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," Tamari reflected.

From KwaZulu-Natal, another high achiever emerged in the form of Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekizulu College in Nongoma. Simesihle faced her own set of challenges, missing significant periods of her academic calendar due to health issues.

"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 explained.

Simesihle's tenacity has now set her sights on a promising future in medicine, motivated by her personal experiences with health challenges.

The morning was infused with a sense of anticipation as the top 40 matric achievers and their parents sat alongside distinguished guests, all eager to witness the excellence born from dedication and hard work. These young scholars, each with their unique stories of perseverance, have not only excelled academically but also inspired their peers across the nation.

Minister Gwarube opened the floor with remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, educational institutions, and the private sector in advancing the quality of education in South Africa. “We are not just here to celebrate excellence; we are here to envision a future where every learner has access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances,” she stated, setting an ambitious tone for the discussions that followed.

As she recognised the elite group of achievers, the Minister further lauded the incredible support systems that underpin their successes. "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 stated, underscoring the collective efforts of families and educators in shaping the futures of young minds.