Vryheid High School began the 2026 academic year on a high note, welcoming learners, parents and staff back with a series of successful events and outstanding achievements.

Grade 8 learners welcomed and parents engaged

On January 13, the school officially welcomed its Grade 8 learners during their orientation programme. The day helped new learners familiarise themselves with the school environment and expectations. That evening, a warm and relaxed braai and meet-and-greet was hosted for the Grade 8 parents and other new parents, creating an opportunity to build strong relationships between families and staff as they embark on their high school journey together.

New staff members welcomed

School officially re-opened on January 14 and it truly started with a bang! Vryheid High proudly welcomed two new staff members to the school family, Ms N Uys and Ms E Chituku, who were warmly received by learners and colleagues alike.

Outstanding NSC 2025 results announced

The release of the NSC 2025 results was a major highlight. Out of 157 candidates, the school achieved an impressive pass rate of 96.8%. The results included 106 Bachelor’s passes, 40 Diploma passes and five Certificate passes, reflecting the school’s strong academic culture and commitment to excellence.

Top achievers and dux learner honoured

The top 10 achievers in the ‘Class of 2025’ were announced as follows: Kwanele Mtimkhulu, Lusanda Mpanza, Alwande Ndlovu, Sicelo Khumalo, Sune de Swardt, Samukelo Mbatha, Ntokozo Khumalo, Kwenza Shamase, Arooba Muhammad, Senamile Kunene and Sbongakonke Hadebe.

The Dux learner of 2025 was Kwanele Mtimkhulu, who achieved outstanding results across her subjects:
• English Home Language – 87%;
• isiZulu First Additional Language – 96%;
• Mathematics – 85%;
• Life Orientation – 94%;
• Physical Sciences – 81%;
• Life Sciences – 88%; and
• Accounting – 95%.

Academic excellence across all grades

Academic excellence continued to be celebrated on January 19, when the top 10 learners per grade were announced, based on their academic performance in the previous year.

Top 10 in Grade 8 (now Grade 9): Emma Mattison, Sharon Ushe, Siyabonga Thembani, Nkosinathi Masondo, Zekhethelo Dlamini, Ayanda Vala, Sane Dzayi, Chloe Stoltz, Snqobile Maphumulo and Aphiwe Dlamini.

Top 10 in Grade 9 (now Grade 10): Ziyanda Ntuli, Simphiwe Sibiya, Amahle Maseko, Nosipho Nxumalo, Banamile Ndima, Nondumiso Nkosi, Nickyle Ramdhin, Ntobeko Mdletshe, Rashidi Useni and Amahle Khumalo.

Top 10 in Grade 10 (now Grade 11): Nabeelah Sujee, Esethu Ndwandwe, Bongakonke Mlotshwa, Siphesihle Xaba, Sime Thabethe, Lwandle Mazibuko, Bayanda Masondo, Dane de Beer, Nqubeko Zondi and Lizwi Rakometsi.

Top 10 in Grade 11 (now Grade 12): Laika Sheik, Amina Talukder, Akabongwe Dlamini, Khaya Mngwango, Aphile Nyawo, Siyanda Zwane, Kwanele Mavuso, Nombulelo Menyuka, Nimpho Mlambo and Raeesa Patel.

Busy events calendar builds school spirit

Week 2 continued the momentum on January 22 with the much-anticipated Grade 8 Sokkie and the school’s annual Fruit Festival. These events were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by the learners, adding to the vibrant school spirit.

Looking ahead, Vryheid High School has an exciting line-up of events:
• January 29 – inter-house athletics;
• January 30 – athletics prize-giving;
• January 31 – Vryheid High School Golf Day.

With a strong start, exceptional academic achievements and a busy sporting / social calendar ahead, Vryheid High School is well on its way to another successful and memorable year.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.