Honouring Resilience: KwaZulu-Natal's Top 10 Matric Achievers of 2025
KwaZulu-Natal's top 10 matric achievers shine bright, proving that excellence knows no boundaries at an announcement ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban by KZN Department of Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka.
Image: NTOMBIZODWA DLAMINI Independent newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal’s top 10 matric achievers for the Class of 2025 were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Tuesday. The province proudly celebrated its historic 90.6% pass rate, the highest in the country.
The learners, representing diverse schools across the province, were recognised not only for their academic brilliance but also for their remarkable resilience. They completed their high school journey amid the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing socio-economic challenges.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka praised the cohort for their determination and discipline.
“The Class of 2025 largely comes from schools with limited resources, many of them in rural areas, making the achievement even more significant,” he said.
KZN’s Top 10 Matric Achievers – Class of 2025
- Ethan Neil Naicker – Port Shepstone Secondary School
- Kuo-Kung Wang- Northwood High
- Cayden Packreeappen – Verulam Secondary School
- Owami Angoba Simesihle Khuzwayo – King Bhekuzulu High School
- Zenzele Mayenziwe Dube – Anton Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy
- Ruby Beukes – Ferrum High School
- Daelin Padavattan – Northwood High School
- Prudence Senamile Tabete – Mathubesizwe High School
- Jerome Naidoo – Northwood High School
- Hafsa Mansab – Ridge Park College
These learners were celebrated for achieving multiple distinctions, excelling in gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting.
These are other top matric achievers in KwaZulu-Natal
Image: Supplied
“We have seen that in township and no-fee schools, excellence is becoming a pattern. Poverty is not a destination. Pupils are showing us that where they come from is not where they will end up,” said Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during the national results announcement.
The top achievers received certificates, and bursaries from various sponsors, with many already accepted into prestigious universities to pursue careers in medicine, engineering, law, and education.
Hlomuka described the learners as “ambassadors of hope” and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting excellence across all quintiles.
“Today, we proudly return them to their parents and communities, well equipped to take the next steps in their lives,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal’s celebration of academic excellence was not just about numbers; it was a tribute to the power of perseverance, the impact of dedicated teaching, and the promise of a brighter future led by young minds like these.