‘We all did it’: Silikamva High School celebrates historic 100% matric pass rate in Western Cape
Silikamva High learners celebrate the school's 100 percent matric pass rate
Image: Murray Swart/ Cape Argus
Silikamva High School in the Western Cape has made history after achieving a 100% matric pass rate for the first time, with notable improvements not only in overall performance but also in the number of quality passes.
Addressing learners, teachers and parents, the school announced that all its matriculants had passed the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
A total of 117 learners achieved a bachelor's pass, up from 102 in 2024, accounting for 76% of the overall pass rate. Diploma passes increased from 13 in 2024 to 28 in 2025, while higher certificate passes stood at nine.
“So, as we know already, our summary stands as follows: 100% of our learners passed. So you made it. We all did it,” the school management told learners during the announcement.
Principal Siphathisiwe Nkahla-Nkohla described the results as a historic milestone for Silikamva High School.
“I’m so excited about our results — the 100% pass rate is history. It’s something that has never happened before. It’s something we’ve been striving for, and I am so happy that we finally achieved it,” she said.
Nkahla-Nkohla credited the achievement to the dedication of teachers and the cooperation of learners.
“I’m so thankful to the teachers for their hard work, the commitment and dedication they showed in pushing these learners to do what was needed. And to the learners, for their cooperation, because without them, we wouldn’t have achieved this,” she said.
Reflecting on the year, she admitted there were early concerns about the matric group.
“When we started, we were very worried about this group, but we achieved 100% in Term 1. We then got 98% in Term 3 and continued celebrating along the way. Now we have finally achieved 100% again in Term 4, the final,” she said.
Nkahla-Nkohla added that the results had transformed the school’s reputation within the community.
“The mindset of the community has changed towards the school. Parents who never wanted their children to come here now have learners on the waiting list wanting to attend because of the results we have achieved,” she said.
Grade 12 mentor Nqobane, affectionately known as Ms Nqobi, praised the hard work of the class of 2025.
“All the Grade 12s, all the matriculants of 2025, worked extremely hard. They sacrificed, and we achieved 100%,” she said, adding that many of her learners featured in the school’s top 10.
“We got five distinctions in English, and I’m very happy about that.”
Top-performing learners and parents also shared their experiences. The mother of Unako Qhekeka, who placed first in the school’s top 10 and achieved six distinctions, collected her daughter’s results on her behalf.
She said she consistently encouraged and supported her daughter, often studying with her late into the night, and urged parents to stand by their children at all times.
Top achiever Emihle Simayele, who excelled in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and placed fourth in the top 10, advised future matriculants to focus on working smart rather than being overwhelmed by pressure.
“Don’t just focus on working hard. You can be lazy and work smart,” Simayele said.
“Have fun in Grade 12. If you stick to the negatives, you’re going to stress about everything.”
Another top 10 learner, Nosipho Gumede, who placed eighth, described 2025 as a challenging year but expressed gratitude to her teachers and parents.
“They are not only teachers, but they are also parents,” she said.
“I’m really grateful because I was able to attain the marks that I got.”
Alulutho Mtikitiki, who placed fifth in the top 10 with an average of 79.2% and four distinctions, said the year was marked by pressure and sleepless nights.
“I’m grateful for the teachers I had this year and the friends I made. I’m grateful that I managed to pass the NSC exams with a bachelor’s pass and four distinctions,” he said, encouraging the class of 2026 to start preparing early.
With its historic 100% pass rate and improved quality results, Silikamva High School has positioned itself as a rising academic force in the province, setting a high benchmark for future classes.
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