Durban: Caden Govender from Greenbury Secondary School was announced as KwaZulu-Natal’s top matric achiever in the awards ceremony held yesterday.
Caden, 17 from Phoenix, who got seven distinctions, also took first place in Accounting for Quintile 5 schools in the Pinetown district.
Reflecting on his success, he said that he had a lot of support during his matric year.
“There was incredible support, not only from my faith in God, but I had the greatest group of friends a person could ever ask for. The unwavering support of a tremendous group of educators who love me like their own, my mom, my brother, and extended family.”
He plans to study actuarial science at Wits University.
“I’ve always heard about the usual route of doing medicine after matric from a lot of top 10 candidates. But I want to follow a different route. I love maths and I want a challenge,” he said.
To the class of 2025, his advice is, “Be resilient. Find your own sweet spot and be comfortable with what you’re doing.”
Manqoba Sibusiso Buthelezi, from Zimele Secondary School, took the second spot. Third place went to Kwandokuhle Angel Mhlungu from Phendukani High School, while Ligugu Ayanda Mkhize from Adam’s College secured fourth place.
Other top achievers included:
◆ Amanda Ngema from Vukile High School and Philile Nokubonga Mngqayi from Nkombose Secondary.
◆ Philisiwe Sthandiswa Ngubane from Zuzulwazi Junior Secondary.
◆ Shai Pitout from Little Flower Secondary.
◆ Nonhlonipho Mayenziwe Nzuza from Sinethezekile Combined School.
◆ Mari Relling from Westville Girls High.
◆ Gift Mlambo from Mandla Mthethwa School.
The pupils are set to receive vouchers, laptops and bursaries.
Owethu Shangase from John Wesley Kosi Bay Private School, was named alongside Ryyan Ebrahim from Pinelands High School in the Western Cape as the two top performers in the matric exams nationally at the awards ceremony hosted by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube in Johannesburg on Monday.
Describing the year, Owethu, who was also named as the top performing pupil in the independent schools category for KZN said: “2024 was very academically demanding, mentally and physically. I faced challenges like procrastination and adapting to environments where I was no longer
the best. But I overcame them with a good support system of friends and family.”
Owethu plans to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town, as he said he has a love for mathematics and wants to contribute to society.
His advice to future matrics is to establish clear goals early. “It is that which determines your effort and performance. Use your time effectively and work with diligence.”
Olwethu Ntombela, from Inanda Newton Cooperative High School, was recognised as KZN’s top candidate in Mechanical Technology, Metalwork, and Technical Mathematics.
He said he balanced his academic achievements with his leadership role as deputy president of the Representative Council of Learners and tutoring his peers.
“People say the sky is the limit, but for me, there’s no sky which is the limit here,” Ntombela said.
He plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, inspired by his love for mechanical systems.