Ruta Sechaba Foundation Class of 2025 proves potential knows no boundaries
Nokuthula Ncwane earned eight distinctions and will study data science and statistics at the University of Cape Town.
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The Ruta Sechaba Foundation (RSF) has celebrated the outstanding performance of its Class of 2025, with learners collectively earning 241 distinctions.
Among the high achievers, more than 20 scholarship recipients - honoured at the recent annual Curro Matric Gala held at Montecasino - earned three or more distinctions each, showcasing the foundation’s commitment to giving bright young minds the opportunity to excel.
RSF spokesperson Natasha Mkhize described the results as a confirmation of the foundation’s mission. “Education and academic excellence are the foundations of future success and as the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, we are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Class of 2025 who have ended their schooling journey on such a high,” she said. “These learners now have the opportunity to go and study further and to impact the world around them. This is testament to our vision and purpose to open the doors of opportunity for learning and growth for young people from backgrounds which may have limited their inherent potential.”
The Ruta Sechaba Foundation is a non-profit organisation that identifies talented learners and places them at Curro schools across South Africa. It supports students beyond economic barriers, allowing every bright young mind the chance to succeed. Scholarships are funded by various corporate partners.
Buhlebenkosi Mhlongo topped the IEB exams with an 85.86% average and eight distinctions
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Exam Performance
A total of 132 RSF learners wrote the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) or National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, achieving a 98% pass rate. Eighty-eight learners recorded an average of 88% or higher, while 20% achieved an A average or higher. Overall, 21 learners achieved an A average across the exams.
Top Achievers
The leading NSC learner was Nokuthula Ncwane from Curro Jewel City in Johannesburg, who achieved an average of 88,57% with eight distinctions. She was followed by Sehlodi Phiri (88%) and Lethabo Molapo (86,29%), both from Curro Soshanguve, who achieved six distinctions each.
In the IEB exams, Buhlebenkosi Mhlongo from Curro King’s School in Sandton led the group with an average of 85,86% and eight distinctions. He was followed by Onalenna Ralepeli from Curro Klerksdorp with 84% and six distinctions, and Ndivhuwo Ramashia, also from Curro King’s School, with 83,14% and four distinctions.
Ncwane said: “I worked so hard throughout the entire year, and also the previous years, to make the most of this scholarship opportunity and am super thrilled with my final results.”
The 19-year-old, who will study data science and statistics at the University of Cape Town, added: “The Ruta Sechaba Foundation allowed me to study at Curro through this scholarship, and it has opened the doors of possibility for me, and now it is up to me to continue to make the most of it. I hope one day to also be able to pay it forward.”
Sehlodi Phiri achieved six distinctions and an 88% average in the NSC exams
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Nurturing Future Leaders
Mkhize emphasised that scholarship recipients benefit from personalised learning and strong development support to thrive in a rapidly changing world. “There is a very strong emphasis on building critical thinking which translates into shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “We wish our Class of 2025 every success in their future and know they have been given a solid foundation from which to build and help shape the future they want for themselves and for others.”