The top achievers from the matric Class of 2025 say they are still trying to process the magnitude of their success after years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance.
While celebrations continue across the country, many of the high performers are sharing deeply personal stories of hardship that shaped their academic journeys.
Sisona Masingila from Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape described being named a top achiever as an emotional milestone.
“It’s a very special moment. I feel like I’ll remember it for the rest of my life,” Masingila told Newswatch at the ministerial breakfast on Monday morning.
He acknowledged that the road to success was far from easy, citing ongoing electricity disruptions in Motherwell as a major obstacle to his studies.
“The electricity crisis we faced sometimes disturbed my learning,” he said.
Seventeen-year-old Sanele Vilakazi from Makause Combined School in Langa said he was overwhelmed when he received confirmation of his achievement.
“I’m so happy this is the best moment of my life,” Vilakazi said, explaining that growing up in an informal settlement made focusing on schoolwork particularly challenging.
Despite the difficulties, both learners say their perseverance has paid off, offering inspiration to pupils facing similar circumstances across the country.