Randfontein schools recognised at West Rand Top Achievers Ceremony
Schools from Randfontein were applauded for their matric achievements at the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) Top Achievers Awards.
On February 6, the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) hosted its annual Top Achievers Awards ceremony to celebrate the exceptional performance of 2025 matriculants from across the district.
The event, held at the Westonaria Banquet Hall in Westonaria, brought together learners, teachers, families and local leaders to recognise scholastic excellence and hard work.
The MC for the event was Nniki Modise, a teacher from Krugersdorp High School (KHS), and Lungile Mdingi, who is the co-ordinator for gender, youth and disability in the WRDM. Lungile is also clinically blind.
The ceremony was part of the WRDM’s ongoing commitment to support education and encourage academic success, especially following strong matric results across the region in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.
Outstanding learners from schools across the West Rand were recognised for their high marks and exceptional achievements in the Class of 2025. Awards included trophies, laptops, certificates and prize money, depending on categories and individual performance. Honourees included those with high aggregate marks, top subject performers, and learners who excelled within special programmes or under challenging circumstances.
The awards were presented by key stakeholders, including the WRDM leadership and representatives from the Gauteng West Department of Education. Among the dignitaries on hand were WRDM executive mayor Alderman Dennis Thabe and district director Vusimuzi Rajuile, who both congratulated the learners and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in their post-school careers.
In remarks shared at the ceremony, organisers emphasised the importance of acknowledging both the learners’ hard work and the dedication of educators and support networks that helped them succeed.
“The Top Achievers Awards form part of WRDM’s broader efforts to uplift learners and promote quality education in the district. Celebrating academic success helps inspire younger learners and underscores the value of persistence, discipline and academic dedication,” said Thabe.
Learners were awarded for each of their schooling subjects, including their home languages, and additional subjects such as IT and Arts Studies. Agriculture and Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Studies were also awarded.
Tanika Botha from Hoërskool Monument, who received an award for Culture and Arts Studies, said, “I wish people knew how much time and effort go into the art subjects. There is a lot of theory and practicals involved with the subject.” Tanika, unfortunately, had to leave the event early as she had a dance practical at the University of Pretoria that evening.
Danielle van der Watt, Bernice Fischer and Christo van der Walt, all from Hoërskool Noordheuwel, secured positions one, two and three, respectively, as the learners with the highest mark aggregate for six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) in the Non-SSIP schools category. Christo, with fellow schoolmate Lance Adams, also took home the Best Mathematics award. Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp High School and Hoërskool Monument secured positions one, two and three for the best performing schools in the district. Randfontein High School secured the fifth position.
There was a special mention and moment of silence taken for Rikus Kylander, an 18-year-old learner from Noordheuwel, who went missing during a post-matric trip in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique, in December. Despite a 22-day search by sea, land, and air, he was not found, and the search was called off on January 9.
For Krugersdorp High School, Jean Hattingh received the Best Achiever in ICT Studies, whilst Michael Esosa Idehen received Best Achiever in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technological Studies.
Several learners were absent from the awards due to tertiary studies, as the academic calendar for universities began earlier this month. This included the biggest winner of the afternoon, Keabetswe Moletsane from Mosupatsela Secondary School, who bagged six awards, including the District Director’s Choice award. Keabetswe’s mom was present to accept the awards.
The best 10 top-performing schools were also read out as follows:
1. Hoërskool Noordheuwel
2. Krugersdorp High School (KHS)
3. Hoërskool Monument
4. Mosupatsela Secondary School
5. Randfontein High School (RHS)
6. Carleton Jones High School
7. Ahmed Timol Secondary
8. SG Mafaesa Secondary School
9. Hoërskool Riebeeckrand
10. Phahama Math, Science and ICT School of Specialisation
With impressive matric results from the Class of 2025 and awards recognising top talent, the West Rand’s future leaders were applauded for setting high standards and serving as an inspiration to their communities.
