Inspiring Triumphs: Western Cape's top matriculants shine at the 2025 NSC Awards
The top achievers in the matric class of 2025 were honoured by Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, at his official residence Leeuwenhof in Cape Town along with Education MEC David Maynier and Education Director-General Brent Walters.
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
The Western Cape’s top academic achievers were honoured at the annual Provincial National Senior Certificate (NSC) Awards held at the Premier’s residence, Leeuwenhof, where education leaders celebrated excellence achieved during the 2025 matric year.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Head Brent Walters described the ceremony as a moment of triumph, emphasising that the NSC represents far more than a final examination.
He said it reflects the journey of more than a decade, shaped by dreams nurtured by parents, guidance from teachers and the determination of learners who believed in their futures despite challenges.
The province recorded its highest-ever pass rate of 88.2% and a bachelor’s pass rate of 49.2%, alongside more than 31,000 distinctions. Learners secured the country’s top mathematics results, placed second in physical sciences, and achieved the highest retention rate and number of passes to date.
Education MEC David Maynier said the Class of 2025 had exceeded expectations and broken records, noting that the Western Cape produced the top candidate in the country for the fifth consecutive year.
That distinction went to Abigail Kok from York High School in George, who emerged as the leading learner among roughly 66,000 matriculants in the province and about 746,000 nationally. Kok was also the top learner in Physical Science and Accounting, further cementing her exceptional academic performance.
Maynier noted that while the province has increased the number of candidates writing the NSC, the focus is now shifting toward improving quality outcomes. The department aims to raise the bachelor’s pass rate as well as mathematics and physical science pass rates to 60% in the coming years.
The WCED said it remains aware that many candidates achieve excellent results in the face of tremendous hardship, ill health and personal obstacles. Officials added that they are continually struck by the courage and fortitude displayed by learners, families and teachers in reaching monumental educational and life goals.
This year, Maynier recognised Roux Basson, a learner from the small West Coast town of Piketberg who attended Piketberg High School, for exemplifying exceptional courage and determination.
Basson suffered a devastating setback at the beginning of 2025 when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and required immediate intensive chemotherapy. Despite the physical and emotional strain, he continued attending school on days he was not receiving treatment and fulfilled all his academic requirements.
In July 2025, he underwent knee transplant surgery followed by further chemotherapy. Yet he remained committed to his studies and school life, even attending interschool games in full uniform to support his peers while lying in the back of his mother’s car parked next to the rugby field.
Remarkably, Basson wrote his final matric examinations while still undergoing chemotherapy and achieved outstanding results, including a bachelor’s pass with three distinctions and strong passes in Mathematics and Physical Science.
His principal described him as a learner who exemplifies courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to his future, adding that his achievements reflect not only academic ability but remarkable character.
Basson said he feels proud of himself and encouraged learners facing challenges to remember that a supportive community can become a powerful source of motivation. He advised pupils not to be afraid to ask for help.
The awards also recognised academic excellence across the province. Jordan Abgorsum from Mondale High School and Jordan Alberts from Spine Road High School, both in Mitchells Plain and known for their academic rivalry, were among the top achievers celebrated for their results.
Abgorsum’s mother, Cheryl, said her heart burst with pride as she watched her son walk onto the stage, adding that his achievement shows that background does not determine success when hard work and commitment are present. Abgorsum plans to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting and admitted he felt nervous at first but soon realised the moment reflected what he had worked toward.
Alberts’ mother, Karen Domingo, spoke emotionally about the past two difficult years following the death of her husband, saying her son remained strong and motivated despite the loss. Alberts will study medicine and said he is looking forward to what the future holds.
The awards also recognised the top 20 schools in the province with 80 or more candidates, including independent schools, for excellence in results among the Western Cape’s 380 ordinary public high schools.
Westerford High School claimed the top position, followed by Claremont High School and Rustenburg Girls’ High School. Rhenish Girls’ High School and Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof rounded out the top five.
They were followed by Diocesan College, Paarl Girls’ High School, Herzlia High School, Paul Roos Gimnasium and Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary in the top ten.
Rondebosch Boys’ High School placed 11th, followed by the South African College High School, Wynberg Girls’ High School, La Rochelle Girls’ High School and Hoërskool Parel Vallei. DF Akademie, Fairmont High School, Durbanville High School, Hoërskool Gimnasium Paarl and Hoër Jongenskool Paarl completed the list.
Schools demonstrating the greatest increase in pass rate between 2024 and 2025 were also honoured. Modderdam High School and Crestway Secondary shared fifth place, followed by Maitland High School, Forest Heights High School and Vista High School. LK Zeeman Academy secured the top position, marking the second low-performing school its principal has helped turn around.
Recognition was also given for the most improved pass performance. Summerdale High School placed fifth, followed by Kuilsriver Technical Secondary School, Sophumelela Secondary School and Uxolo High School. LK Zeeman Academy, led by principal Ms C Venter, claimed first place in this category as well.
The greatest increase in bachelor passes was led by Augsberg Landbougimnasium, followed by Durbanville High School and Darul Arkam Islamic High School. Spine Road High School placed fourth, with Hoërskool Lutzville fifth. Star College Bridgetown ranked sixth, DF Akademie seventh, Hoërskool Gimnasium Paarl eighth and Hoërskool Langenhoven ninth, while Fish Hoek High School and Bergvliet High School shared tenth place.
Several schools were further commended for maintaining a consistent pass rate of 95% or higher over the past five years. These include Bellville High School, Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, Hoërskool Hopefield, La Rochelle Girls’ High School, Lutzville Hoërskool, Paarl Girls’ High School, the South African College High School and Westerford High School.
Premier Alan Winde told learners they had set the benchmark for future matric classes and encouraged them to be bold in shaping their careers.
He urged them to take risks while they are young, push boundaries and use the opportunities available to make a meaningful difference, reminding the Class of 2025 that the table is set and the world is theirs to pursue.