The top academic performers from government schools in the area say that they worked hard to get their excellent results. Merafong’s top academic achiever in the 2025 matric examinations is Sameeyah Ismael of Carleton Jones High School. She obtained seven distinctions in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Life Orientation, Accounting, English, and Afrikaans.

“It took a lot of consistency and effort to do so well. I also had to make sure that I stayed dedicated to obtaining good results,” says Sameeyah.

She was the Head of Academics at CJ during the past year and also the school’s white blazer recipient for outstanding achievement during the past year.

She is going to study Medicine at the University of Pretoria this year.

She thanked her teachers, parents, grandparents and Carleton Jones High School’s Principal, Mr Jonas Maponyane Mlambo, for their support.

“I began my schooling career at Jongspan Primary School from Grade Three, where I consistently excelled academically and served as Deputy Head Girl. My strong academic foundation was instilled by exceptional educators who continuously encouraged me to strive for excellence and believed in my potential. My primary school principal, Dr Malan, exemplified outstanding leadership and played a vital role in shaping my academic journey,” she added.

“Have fun and enjoy the year, but just keep on working hard,” is Sameeyah’s message to this year’s matrics.

Nianell Wilke from Hoërskool Fochville is our area’s second-best achiever in the 2025 matric examinations.

The star learner obtained six distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Life Orientation, Computer Application Technology, Accounting and Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD).

“I started to work systematically hard from Grade 10 and just put in extra work in Grade 12. I also worked through a lot of extra previous papers, which made a huge difference,” she says.

She is also an excellent horse rider and the top performer during last year’s Merafong Arts Festival, and also played in her school’s first hockey team. She was part of the D2 athletics team and did art, ATKV, orating, and public speaking.

“My biggest motivation was the fact that I really wanted to become an engineer and had to work for it,” she says.

Her advice for this year’s matrics is to study other study material, including watching videos, and also just to enjoy the year.

She thanks her teachers and especially her parents, Trudie and Chris Wilke. Her father is the principal of Glenharvie Combined School, who supported her throughout her schooling career. She also thanks the Lord.

She is starting her Mechanical Engineering studies at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus this year. Both Sameeyah and Nianell are residents of Carletonville.