Thembisa Matric Awards 2025 celebrates top achievers and school excellence

The B&M Mkhize Foundation and partner, Humanitarian Aid International, hosted the eighth annual Thembisa Matric Awards (TMA) at the Thembisa Christian Family Church on January 24.

The event celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025, recognising matric learners for their hard work and strong academic performances. Also honoured was the support of parents, teachers and the community.

The Thembisa West and Jiyana secondary schools again competed for top honours. The latter made history by securing first place among public schools for the sixth time in eight years.

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However, the top learner award went to Lwandle Masuku of the Thembisa West Secondary School, who achieved an overall average of 90.85% and seven distinctions.

Several schools were recognised for improved performances from 2024. The Thembisa Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation achieved a 90.3% pass rate, while the Masisebenze Comprehensive School achieved 90.5%.

Masuku (18) attributed his success to discipline, determination and support.

“I got where I am through reading and knowing what I wanted. I had strong support from family and friends, who encouraged me to push harder. I limited my use of social media, though platforms like YouTube helped with research and finding solutions.

“We also thank our teachers for doing their best and for being there for us,” he said.

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Principal Seleho of the Thembisa West Secondary School said the achievement belonged to the school community.

“We dedicate this achievement to the learners who put in impressive work, as well as the teachers who ensured learners received education on weekends,” he said.

“We also thank the parents who trusted us with their children. These results are proof of hard work. We hope to achieve a 100% pass rate in 2026.”

Principal Ledwaba of the Jiyana Secondary School said the school’s success came despite limited resources.

“We worked under pressure after being taken off the Strategic Integrated Projects programme, but through dedication, planning and focus, our teachers achieved great results,” he said.

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“These results belong to the community. Our school achieved 100% in six subjects, including Economics, which is considered one of the hardest, and Geography.

“For the first time in our district, we are the only school to record an 82% bachelor pass rate, meaning 196 out of 234 learners will be going to university.”

Bukhosi Mkhize, the host and founder of the TMA, said the awards play a vital role in uplifting the community through education.

“I am impressed with the learners’ results, but the significance of these awards lies in how they motivate and develop young people,” he said.

“Learners return to collect their awards, which shows the impact of motivation.

“This year, some schools previously outside the top rankings moved into top positions, showing that our vision of building schools and improving Thembisa through education is working. The venue was packed with past matriculants and the class of 2026, who we will be awarding next year.”

The foundation and its partner are already planning for the 10th TMAs.

Humanitarian Aid International CEO Russel Thembekwayo confirmed that dates and venues for 2026 have been secured, allowing organisers to focus on making the 10th celebration the highlight of the programme’s achievements.