Estcourt’s top-performing learner in the ‘Class of 2025’ was honoured on Tuesday (January 27) when Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality (ILM) held the 2025 Matric Excellence Awards Ceremony.

The top learner was announced as Luyanda Thabo Moso of Vukasekusile High School, who was also appointed as ‘Mayor for the Day’. Moso encouraged the ‘Class of 2026’ to remain disciplined, work hard throughout the year, and prepare for the exams well in advance.

The ceremony was attended by ILM Deputy Mayor Sithabiso Dladla, uThukela Deputy Mayor Mbuzeleni Mkhize, ILM Speaker SW Khumalo, Miss ILM Penny Shezi, parents, educators, and officials from the Department of Education.

Top 10 matric achievers in the ‘Class of 2025’

1. Luyanda Thabo Moso – Vukasekusile High School

2. Mthobisi Alwande Dlamini – Estcourt Secondary School

3, Wandile PraiseGod Mpembe

4. Qiniso Siyabonga Mazibuko – Mpumelelo High School

5. Yash Rajcoomar – Estcourt High School

6. Ayabonga Olwethu Mlangeni – Estcourt Secondary School

7. Nokulunga Siphesihle Mbhele – Nkangala High School

8. Akhona Mduduzi Ntuli – Estcourt Secondary School

9. Ayabonga Simthandile Mazibuko – Estcourt High School

10. Njabulo Zwane – Hlathikhulu High School

All these learners received a certificate, a laptop and R2500 to assist with transportation costs.

In his address, Deputy Mayor Sithabiso Dladla said the event marked not only a celebration of academic excellence, but also an historic moment as it was the final Matric Excellence Awards Ceremony of the current municipal term of office.

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“From the beginning of our term, we deliberately established the Matric Excellence Awards as a strategic programme for youth empowerment. We understand that the future of our municipality and province lies in the hands of educated, disciplined and motivated young people,” said Dladla.

He added that the municipality has ensured that deserving learners receive registration support and bursaries to enrol at universities and colleges. Dladla also expressed his appreciation to teachers for their dedication and hard work in guiding the learners to success.

Representing the Department of Education, Mr Mlambo from uThukela District commended KwaZulu-Natal for its strong performance in the 2025 matric exams, noting that the province achieved first place nationally among eight provinces. He further highlighted that uThukela District achieved an 86% pass rate, while Estcourt recorded an 81% pass rate.

“The Class of 2025 has made us proud and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” Mlambo concluded.

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