A maths prodigy, Thabang Mchuchuma Mashigo, overcame personal tragedy to excel in the 2025 matric exams.

He made KaBokweni proud by obtaining third place in mathematics among the national Matric Class of 2025’s top achievers.

He achieved 100% in the subject.

Thabang, who attended Khutsalani Secondary School in KaBokweni, said it was not only hard work that got him to where he is, but support from his teachers, principal, family and friends made a huge impact. He also attended many extra classes.

While he was writing his matric trial examinations his father passed away, and Thabang was faced with overcoming this tragedy with his final exams looming.

In doing so, Thabang continued his father’s legacy. His father had been a mathematics teacher.

Provincially, he obtained first place for maths. However, he shares this spot with Siyanda Welcome Nkuna of Inkomazi Secondary School in eMangweni. Siyanda, who also achieved 100%, took first place on national level in maths.

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Thabang also secured the first position in Mpumalanga for physical science with 290 out of 300 points, and is the overall best quintile three candidate in Mpumalanga.

He walked away with a full bursary courtesy of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, various monetary prizes, vouchers and gadgets for his tertiary studies.

The Ehlanzeni District Circuit kept its top position as the overall best district in the province with an 88% pass rate. However, this is a slight decline from the 88.43% in 2024.

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White Hazy 1 has kept its position as the best circuit in Ehlanzeni with a 94.7% pass rate. This is a decrease by 0.6% from the 95.3% in 2024.

Overall, Mpumalanga obtained an 86.5% pass rate, marking a major achievement according to the MEC of education, Lindi Masina. She announced the provincial 2025 National Senior Certificate examination results on Tuesday, January 13.