City’s schools brag with… CLASS OF 2025
Matric Class of 2025: Academic Triumph
Cecilia Mogashoa
The Polokwane Municipality hosted its annual Excellence Awards ceremony at the Jack Botes Hall on Friday, recognising top-performing circuits, schools and individual learners who excelled in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Mayor John Mpe described the ceremony as a celebration of resilience, academic discipline and dedication. “Today we honour those who have risen above challenges and set new standards of success. Through these awards, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding hard work across our communities,” he said.
Capricorn North emerged as the best-performing district with a pass rate of 87.9%, followed by Capricorn South at 85%. The top circuits in bachelor pass percentage were Vlakfontein with 60.6%, Pietersburg with 56.1% and Bahlaloga with 51.4%. In overall circuit performance, Pietersburg (Capricorn South) led with 91.5%, followed by Mankweng (Capricorn South) at 84.1% and Kgakotlou (Capricorn South) at 83.6%. Top-performing schools by bachelor pass percentage were Hoërskool Pietersburg with 88.7%, Nkgopoleng Bakone at 79.2% and Mokwatedi Secondary School at 74.2%. Schools with the highest number of bachelor passes were Taxila Combined School (Pietersburg circuit) with 98.7%, Hoërskool Pietersburg (Pietersburg circuit) at 97.8% and Klaas Mothapo Secondary (Kgakotlou circuit) at 87.2%.
The district’s top individual learners were also honoured, with Tshepang Mokgohloa of Mamolemane Secondary School in third place, Christo Reynecke of Hoërskool Pietersburg securing second place and Paballo Makgoka of Noorderland in first spot. The municipality applauded teachers, principals and district officials for their consistent efforts in improving academic performance. The district achieved an overall NSC pass rate of 86.1%, while the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) recorded an overall pass rate of 98.3%. Schools that achieved a 100% pass rate included Mitchell House, Eagle’s Nest Christian School, Curro Huiwelkruin, Veritas College, Jabez Christian Academy, Northern Muslim School and PEPPS College.
These were followed by Maseala Progressive School at 96%, Northern Academy at 95.5% and MEPS at 93.1%.
Click below to see each listed school’s accomplishments:
100% pass rate for Mitchell House Class of 2025
Mitchell House has proudly congratulated its Class of 2025 matric learners after achieving a 100% pass rate, with 88% of candidates earning bachelor’s degree passes and a total of 62 distinctions. Among the top achievers were Taskeen Tayob with eight distinctions, Thandolwethu Khumalo and Mabetji Mankga with seven distinctions each, and Matshela Vyamungu with six distinctions.
Top honours learner Tayob, who will be studying computer science at Wits University this year, said she was overwhelmed by her results.
“I’m overjoyed and actually quite surprised, but more than that, I’m beyond grateful to God for blessing me with this wonderful outcome,” she said.
Tayob credited her family, teachers, friends and Mitchell House for their support. “I will always be thankful for the opportunities, memories and values I have gained there.”
Mankga described her achievements as both exciting and deeply satisfying. “When I look back at the effort I put in and the results I received, it was all worth it,” she said.
She added that prayer kept her grounded throughout the year. Mankga also balanced her academic responsibilities with leadership roles as head girl, prefect, culture committee head, first team hockey captain and debating participant. “I’m grateful I was able to manage all of that and still achieve these results.” Vyamungu, who will be studying actuarial science at the University of Cape Town, said his success felt surreal.
“There were many times when it didn’t feel possible, but with reassurance from my family, support from my friends and great help from my teachers, my dream was realised,” he said.
Khumalo expressed her excitement as an amazing experience when she saw seven distinctions next to her student number, after receiving the SMS from the IEB.
“I was filled with immense joy and pride, knowing that my hard work had paid off far more than I had anticipated.
I especially appreciated the happiness my family members felt regarding my results. Overall, I felt blessed to have overcome the hardships of the subjects I had previously struggled with throughout the year.”
Khumalo will be studying bachelor science degree in the field of computer science at Wits.
Head of the college, Claude Goeminne, congratulated the Class of 2025 and encouraged them to embrace their future studies.
“University is a time for immense personal growth and discovery. Stay resilient, as every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger,” he said.
Jabez marks 20 years with 100% bachelor pass rate
JABEZ Christian Academy is celebrating 20 years of excellence in education, highlighted by a 100% bachelor pass rate for the Class of 2025.
“We’re extremely thankful that this is our fourth consecutive year achieving a 100% bachelor pass rate. In fact, since our first matric class in 2009, no learner has ever failed at Jabez,” said principal Elana Erasmus.
“This is remarkable, considering we work with learners of varying academic abilities. Our focus is not only on distinctions but on developing the whole child – body, mind, and soul.”
Erasmus credited the success to the dedication and hard work of both learners
and teachers.
“Teachers and staff pray with the children in class, seeking the Lord’s guidance, and they invest long hours, often extending lessons until 16:00 and sometimes even during holidays.
The learners’ commitment and perseverance have also been extraordinary,” she said. Reflecting on 2025, Erasmus acknowledged the challenges the year brought but expressed gratitude for the outcomes.
“We’re excited for 2026, not only as our 20th anniversary year but also because we have a large matric class, many of whom have been with us since Gr 1.
We look forward to achieving outstanding results once again.”
Capricorn High School
Eagles Nest
NMS celebrates 11 years of 100% matric success
Anne Mametja
Northern Muslim School has once again affirmed its reputation for academic excellence by achieving a 100% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, marking an extraordinary eleventh consecutive year of perfect results.
The Class of 2025 has upheld the school’s proud tradition of consistent performance, reflecting not only academic ability but also dedication, perseverance, and strong moral grounding. This milestone highlights Northern Muslim School’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners who are prepared for future success.
School principal Takura Warinda expressed heartfelt gratitude for the achievement: “We are grateful to Allah for blessing us with these excellent results.
This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to the commitment of our learners, the support of their families, and the efforts of our teachers, who guided and motivated learners throughout their academic journey.”
He added that the Class of 2025 has set a high benchmark for future learners and continues to inspire the broader school community.
“Their success reflects the strong partnership between school, home, and faith, which remains the foundation of our institution,” he said.
The school also extended sincere appreciation to its dedicated teachers for their countless hours of mentoring and instruction, as well as to parents and guardians whose encouragement played a vital role in this achievement.
As Northern Muslim School celebrates this proud moment, special recognition is given to the top achievers of the Class of 2025:
• Yusrah Ebrahim – seven distinctions.
• Yusha Khan – seven distinctions.
• Yumna Y Gangat – six distinctions.
• Manha Saleh – five distinctions.
• Mizaan Tayob – five distinctions.
IEB honours Maseala learners for excellence
Koketšo Sekhwela
A total of 90% of the Class of 2025 at Maseala Secondary School have qualified for admission into tertiary institutions to study towards bachelor’s degrees and diplomas.
The school achieved a 96% overall pass rate, which was celebrated during an event held at the school last Tuesday.
Although this reflects a 4% decline from last year’s 100% pass rate, the result still places Maseala among the top schools assessed by the Independent Examination Board (IEB).
The outcome also fell within the 95% to 97% range predicted earlier by the school’s director general, Alf Mohlahlana, during a learner-led interview shared on the school’s social media platforms.
A total of 107 learners wrote the NSC examinations. Of these, 55% qualified for degree studies, 35% for diploma studies at universities, and seven obtained higher certificate admissions, with a combined total of 50 distinctions.
Principal Abraham Mmethi said the failure to maintain a 100% pass rate does not negate the quality of the results.
He said the school has deliberately focused on quality passes through a clear plan and consistent collaboration between management, teachers, support staff and former learners.
Co-founder and executive director Gladys Mohlahlana said what stood out was the inclusion of Thelma Mapheto and Lesedi Semenya in the IEB’s national book of commendable results for outstanding performance in Sepedi Home Language, both achieving 94%. “We are the only school in Limpopo with such a prestigious rating,” she said.
During the local celebration, Tebatso Legodi was overall first with six distinctions, Semenya was second with five distinctions and Lehlogonolo Ngoetsana was third with level six across all subjects.
The Mohlahlanas and Mmethi emphasised that strong parental support remains essential to achieving such results.
They appealed to parents to maintain a positive attitude towards school initiatives aimed at strengthening the Class of 2026, which attended the celebration.
“We expect your support to help us develop resilience, focus and discipline, and that you trust us with your children,” Mohlahlana said. Distinctions were obtained in 14 out of 18 subjects.
Subject pass rates:
Mathematical literacy: 100%
Life sciences: 100%
Information technology: 100%
English Home Language: 100%
English First Additional Language: 100%
Sepedi Home Language: 100%
Sepedi First Additional Language: 100%
Life orientation: 100%
Business studies: 98%
Tourism: 97%
History: 95%
Economics: 94%
Geography: 94%
Computer application technology: 80%
“The failure to maintain a 100% pass rate does not negate the quality of the results. ”
-Abraham Mmethi
Curro Northern Academy
Curro Heuwelkruin
Pepps Polokwane
Stanford Lake College matrics
The Class of 2025 at Stanford Lake College has marked a remarkable year, demonstrating excellence across academics, arts and extracurricular activities.
Characterised by diverse talents and a strong commitment to growth, the cohort has contributed uniquely to the fabric of school life, embracing opportunities to discover their strengths and pursue excellence. Academically, the class showed tenacity and resilience in the face of increasing challenges.
The pressures of the final year did not deter them, instead, learners approached their studies with focus and determination, setting a high standard for those who follow.
The school attributes much of this success to the dedication of its staff, whose commitment extends beyond the classroom to sports fields, performance stages and outdoor activities. These experiences, combined with strong teacher-learner relationships, have helped cultivate not only academic skills but also essential life skills, preparing learners for success beyond school.
The Class of 2025 achieved a 100% pass rate, with an impressive IEB average of 98.31%, and a 98% bachelor degree pass rate (IEB average 89.12%).
Notably, two learners attained six distinctions each: Alistair van Hilten excelled in mathematics, further studies mathematics, physical sciences, accounting, life orientation, and life sciences, while deputy head girl Jana Prinsloo achieved distinctions in accounting, Afrikaans FAL (placing in the top 1% nationally), business studies, English HL, information technology, and life orientation.
Other top achievers included Isabella Dando, who placed in the top 1% nationally for visual arts and Gordon Noel, who ranked in the top 1% for mathematical literacy.
Isabella Dando and Nicholas Boyum earned five distinctions each, while Abigail Fair, Lwandile Nkuna and Carla Schulenburg contributed four distinctions each. In total, the cohort accumulated 70 distinctions among 48 learners.
Departments such as accounting, business studies, computer applications technology, geography, information technology, life sciences, visual arts and mathematical literacy all achieved results well above the IEB national average.
The school emphasises that success comes in many forms, and all learners’ dedication and hard work are recognised. Their steady effort provides a strong foundation for future studies and personal growth.
The school community congratulates the matric Class of 2025 and wishes them every success as they embark on new chapters in their lives:
Veri-first matriculants for Veritas
Maretha Swanepoel
Veritas School marked a historic milestone in 2025 when its very first Gr 12 group achieved a 100% pass rate in the IEB examinations.
The group, consisting of almost 20 learners, became the school’s first VERI-first matric class. Executive head Esteé van Staden thanked the learners for their commitment and hard work throughout the year and during the final examinations.
“These learners showed a willingness to work with the staff in laying the foundation for their future success. We are incredibly proud of every learner, you made history.
We also thank the parents of our first Gr 12 group for trusting us with their children and for supporting us every step of the way,” she said. Veritas School is a Christian institution committed to instilling God’s truth in every learner and in every aspect of school life. The school opened its doors on February 1, 2021, with only four Gr 8 learners. “We were convinced of our purpose and hopeful that each day would bring another learner. Because of our small size, we were able to continue classes throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a sense of normality during an uncertain time,” said Van Staden.
The school maintains small classes of a maximum of 20 learners, supported by a
fully qualified staff complement. “We strive for academic excellence, and guiding learners to develop a passion for mathematics is one of our top priorities,” she added. Despite continued growth, the school remains committed to its original model of small classes to ensure an effective learner-to-teacher ratio.
Veritas also exposes learners to real-life experiences by hosting a variety of speakers and events aimed at preparing them for the future.
“As we grow, we can invest even more in the lives of our learners and their families. We offer academic bursaries to top achievers and assist parents through sibling discounts. Our fees include textbooks, plastic-covered workbooks, a calculator and a basic stationery pack, ensuring that learners are ready from their first day at school,” said Van Staden.
She added that the school remains dedicated to a strict discipline code of conduct to ensure a safe and respectful environment for both learners and teachers.
“We value learners for who God created them to be, and our goal is to provide a space where they can be themselves, free from the harmful influences so common in society today,” she said.
PHS-onnies vereer vir matriekuitslae
Hoërskool Pietersburg se Rita Hageman en Corstiaan Vermaak het toekennings ontvang as die beste onderwysers in wiskunde geletterdheid in Limpopo na aanleiding van die 2025 Nasionale Senior Sertifikaateksamen.
Hulle is ook opgeneem in die Wiskunde- en Wetenskapklub 100 vir openbare skole.
PHS is dus een van 100 skole in die provinsie wat deel is van die Wiskunde- en Wetenskapklub.
