With the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations drawing to a close, the Amajuba District Municipality celebrated the outstanding achievements of the NSC Class of 2024 at its Mayoral Excellence Awards.
The prestigious ceremony, held at the Blue Ridge Crystal Palace, recognised the district’s top-performing pupils. These awards are a municipal initiative to honour academic excellence.
Amajuba District Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu emphasised the importance of education. He said: “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth, and it is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that we provide them with the best possible opportunities to succeed.”
The event was made possible through generous contributions from several sponsors. The Nyatee Foundation was the main sponsor, covering the costs of the venue, sound, and artists. Other notable sponsors included Maxprof, Aros Protection Services, Aphelela Civils and Projects, Izinhloli Security Services, MTN, Zero Defect Construction, Isivuno Auctioneers, NBM Auctioneers, and Boss Vehicle Stop.
Pupils received impressive prizes, including phones, tablets, R10,000 in cash, R1,500 grocery vouchers, journals, pens, USB drives, and water bottles.
Department of Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi joined the celebration via Zoom. District Director Nzama commended the hard work of the schools, noting that all schools in Amajuba performed above a 70% pass rate last year. Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu and Prince Phumuzuzulu were also in attendance.
Minister Buthelezi encouraged the pupils to carry the spirit of Amajuba with them as they embark on their new journeys, reminding them never to forget their roots.
The Nyatee Foundation’s Dumisani Nyathi expressed his commitment to revisiting underperforming schools to help them improve. As part of their efforts, they plan to hire five young people from the Amajuba District. The foundation also donated a further R600,000 to the district mayor and the Department of Education to support the most struggling schools.
The 2025 NSC exams began on 21 October will concluded on Thursday, 27 November. Most matriculants have now finished and await their results, which are expected to be released on 13 January 2026.
