Lulekani Circuit excels with top matric achievers
The Lulekani Circuit is celebrating after three learners each achieved seven matric distinctions, with top performers sharing their stories.
PHALABORWA – The Lulekani Circuit has celebrated remarkable academic achievements this year, with three learners emerging as top performers by achieving seven distinctions each.
Neyo Mathebula from Meridian College, Ntwanano Khoza from Majeje High School, and Ndzalama Qibi from Nkateko High School made the circuit proud with their outstanding results.
Ntwanano Khoza expressed her joy at maintaining the top position in the school despite the challenging exams. “I am very happy that I am still a top learner in my school. Looking at the difficulty of the exams, I thought that I wouldn’t make it to number one again,” she said.
Reflecting on her matric year, Khoza described it as “the best year I have ever had in high school”, despite the fear, anxiety, stress, and pressure that came with it. She admitted that managing her time during the first two terms was difficult, but creating a structured study timetable allowed her to allocate sufficient time for all seven subjects, which ultimately led to her success. Khoza will be pursuing actuarial sciences at the University of Johannesburg.
“To the Class of 2026: Do not date. Surround yourself with friends who are serious about academics, they will be very helpful. Consider having a study timetable. Ask for help whenever you are struggling, from teachers, friends, or classmates. Stay ahead of your teachers, use past papers when preparing for exams, do not procrastinate, and above all, study hard,” Khoza advised.
Neyo Mathebula, who has received an offer to study medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT), also shared his experience. “I’m so proud of myself and very excited! No words can fully explain my joy right now,” he said.
Mathebula described his year as hectic, filled with both challenges and achievements.
“I had to put in extra effort because I don’t consider myself naturally smart. I faced fatigue, burnout, and limited access to resources due to financial constraints. There were also interruptions to two subjects when a teacher passed away and another was injured, but the school managed to provide additional support,” he explained.
He added that his dream of studying medicine at UCT, which he has held since Gr 7, motivated him to work diligently.
“I live by the phrase “It will all make sense one day”. My role model, Dr Luxolo Mdolo, inspired me with these words, ‘missing out on temporary fun to build permanent stability is not a loss’. This encouraged me to remain disciplined. Learners should ask for help from teachers and peers, use setbacks as motivation, and stay focussed,” he said.
The overall performance of the Lulekani Circuit was equally impressive. Meridian College produced 19 distinctions from 43 candidates, Majeje High School 79 distinctions from 126 candidates, Nkateko High School 57 distinctions from 101 candidates, All Saints College 94 distinctions from 158 candidates, Frans du Toit High School 127 distinctions from 207 candidates, Ntshuxeko High School 39 distinctions from 194 candidates, Baranuka High School 21 distinctions from 120 candidates, Masaswivona High School 15 distinctions from 24 candidates, Makikele High School two distinctions from 36 candidates, and Prieska Combined School also produced two distinctions from nine candidates.
