Top Achievers of 2025


Emalahleni outshines the rest in 2025 matric results
Emalahleni Local Municipality has emerged as the overall best-performing municipality in the province following the release of the 2025 National Senior
Certificate results. A total of 4 015 learners wrote the examinations, with an outstanding 3 776 passing, achieving an impressive 94.0% pass rate.
This marks a significant 3.8% improvement from the previous year.
Here are Speedy Mashilo, MEC for Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance, and Traditional Aff airs, Thomas Ngwenya, Nkangala District Mayor, and Clr Sizwe Buthelezi, MMC for Community Services.
Hoërskool Patriot celebrates yet another Top Achievers outstanding 100% matric pass rate
Hoërskool Patriot is proud to announce an exceptional achievement in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, with the school attaining a 100% matric pass rate.
This remarkable milestone stands as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and hard work of both learners and educators.
The school’s outstanding performance has earned it top rankings across multiple levels. Hoërskool Patriot placed ninth in Mpumalanga out of 582 schools, secured third place in the Nkangala District, and achieved first place in the Emalahleni Circuit 2.
These rankings highlight the school’s commitment to academic excellence and consistent high standards.
In addition to the overall pass rate, the quality of the results is equally commendable.
Of the matric class, 67% achieved bachelor’s passes, enabling them to pursue university studies. A further 29% obtained diploma passes, while 4% achieved certificate passes, ensuring that every learner successfully completed their schooling and has a pathway forward. The management and staff of Hoërskool Patriot extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025 for their perseverance and determination.
Appreciation is also expressed to the parents and guardians for their unwavering support throughout the learners’ academic journey.
This achievement reinforces Hoërskool Patriot’s reputation as a leading institution in the Emalahleni area and beyond, and the school looks forward to building on this success in the years to come.






Academic excellence at HGH

As we reflect on the 2025 academic year at Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog, we do so with immense pride in the achievements of our learners across academics, sport and culture.
The year was marked by commitment, excellence and opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom.
Our Sciences Department stood out on both national and international platforms. Learners participated with distinction in the Eskom Science Expo, showcasing innovative research and critical thinking. A highlight of the year was: Shalom Lasimu, who represented both the school and Mpumalanga at the International Science Fair hosted at Emperors Palace.
Another remarkable achievement came from Sanele Matsane, who was selected through a national competition to spend two weeks aboard the South African research vessel SA Agulhas II. During this time, she gained hands-on scientific research experience and attended lectures presented by leading international marine scientists.
In addition, four of our learners – Nuhaa Saloojee, Ameera Ortell, Mizelle Rayters, and Makayla van Rooyen – were selected to participate in the G20 Young Women
in Science.
They hosted round-table discussions and had the opportunity to address Blade Nzimande alongside international science delegates, confidently representing young women in science on a global platform.
On the sports field our teams competed proudly at the Medium Schools Highveld inter-high. Hockey, netball and rugby delivered excellent results in the Super Series and league competitions, and our boys’ and girls’ rugby teams participated in various 7s rugby tournaments. Our netball girls excelled at Fast Five Netball.
Our award-winning choir impressed once again, and learners showcased their talent in drama and public speaking. A standout achievement was our theatre production
performed at Op die Planke. The one-set play was crowned national winner in its category, highlighting the exceptional creative and performance talent within the school.
49 subject distinctions for Ed-U-College
Ed-U-College Witbank is proud to announce the academic achievements of its Class of 2025 following the release of the National Senior Certificate examination results. Out of 115 candidates, 111 learners successfully passed, resulting in an overall pass rate of 97%. These results reflect consistent effort, committed teaching, and a culture of accountability across the school.
The cohort achieved 63 bachelor’s passes, 35 diploma passes, and 13 higher certificate passes, demonstrating that learners were not only supported to pass but to progress meaningfully to postschool opportunities. Across subjects, learners showed strong performance and improvement. Several subjects achieved 100% pass rates, including IsiZulu first additional language, mathematical literacy, history, tourism, and life orientation. English Home Language recorded a 99% pass rate, while business studies and CAT also achieved excellent outcomes.
The school is particularly proud of its subject distinctions, with a total of 49 distinctions. Our top ten learners all achieved an average of 70% and higher. These achievements speak to both learner commitment and subject-specific teaching excellence.
Principal Ms Elsa de Bruyn commended the Class of 2025, stating that the results reflect perseverance, discipline, and the collective eff ort of learners, educators, and parents.
She also acknowledged the dedication of the teaching staff , whose consistent support and high expectations continue to yield measurable results.
Ed-U-College Witbank remains committed to providing a balanced education that combines academic rigour with character development, preparing learners for life beyond the classroom. Ed-U-College firmly believes that grade 12 excellence starts in the foundation phase.
It is important to invest in your child’s future from grade 1. Our professionally qualified teachers are ready to teach, support, and holistically form your child’s future from Grade one to 12. EdU-College is accredited by Umalusi as an Independent school in South Africa. Umalusi accredit independent schools that have professional teaching staff , have consistent quality results, and is in good standing with their norms and standards according to their accreditation criteria.
As Ed-U-College Witbank builds on this success, the school continues to plan intentionally for future growth.
Registrations for the 2027 academic year will open on the first Monday of June. Parents who value accountability,dedicated teaching, and proven academic outcomes are encouraged to contact Ed-U-College Witbank to express early interest and receive further information.



Faith + hard work = results @ St Thomas Aquinas
Achieving a 100% pass rate for the 51st consecutive year is a truly remarkable milestone for the St Thomas Aquinas School community.
This outstanding achievement is not taken for granted. Our hearts are filled with deep gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His continued guidance and mercies.
We commend our Grade 12 learners for their perseverance and resilience, thank our parents for their unwavering support, and acknowledge our dedicated staff for their diligence and commitment to excellence. At St Thomas Aquinas School, our success is not accidental. It is driven by a clear recipe for success that guides not only what
we do, but how we do it.
This recipe is rooted in commitment, discipline, and teamwork. We believe in working together as a united school community, always placing the needs and well-being of the child first.
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child – and at St Thomas Aquinas School, that village works tirelessly in the best interests of every learner. Our school is built on a strong academic foundation and a shared belief in the potential of each learner.
We are committed to the holistic development of our learners, ensuring that they are not only academically prepared but also equipped with essential life skills for the 21st century.
Through a balanced approach to education, we nurture confident, responsible, and capable young adults.
Technologically, St Thomas Aquinas School is well ahead of the curve. Our advanced use of technology in teaching and learning provides our learners with a significant
advantage, preparing them for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
The high academic standard of the curriculum we offer, together with our participation in the IEB examinations, ensures that our learners are well equipped to compete and succeed beyond school. St Thomas Aquinas School remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality education, grounded in faith, integrity, and academic excellence.
Well done to the class of 2025!


