Schools across Ladysmith and KwaZulu-Natal are celebrating outstanding matric results for the Class of 2025, with individual excellence and collective achievement highlighted at school, district and provincial level.
Harvest High School marked a monumental achievement after announcing a 100 percent pass rate in the National Senior Certificate examinations. The school praised the dedication of its pupils and the unwavering commitment of teachers, parents and staff who contributed to the success.
Top performers at Harvest High School include Cebisa Nhlangothi and Ntando Nyawo, who each achieved four distinctions, and Fezeka Ntshangase, who earned three.
The school congratulated the pupils for setting a high standard and inspiring future classes. In a message to the matriculants, the school encouraged them to carry their roots, values and morals with them as they move forward.
Exceptional individual performances were also recorded at Ladysmith Secondary School, where Siasha Kumar achieved seven distinctions. Siasha said she felt overwhelmed and humbled by her results and expressed gratitude to God, her parents and teachers for their guidance and support. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting science at the University of Pretoria. She was also awarded the school’s Dux Award, with a platinum aggregate distinction.
At Windsor Secondary School, deputy principal Elsie Zwane congratulated the Class of 2025 and praised Aneka Sithole, who achieved five distinctions. Zwane expressed confidence that Windsor was on a steady upward trajectory and could soon achieve a 100 percent pass rate.
The pass rate recorded by the 177 matriculants is 96 percent. Ladysmith High School’s bachelors passes, which enable university entrance, are 71 percent with a total of 183 A symbols were achieved. Two pupils, Tasmiyah Kader and Lindokuhle Tomela. each achieved six distinctions. Enhle Khumalo, Boitumelo Leutle, Deepti Mahraj, Adya Singh and Alouisé van Loggerenberg earned five distinctions a piece.
They were closely followed by Rayhaan Jogiat, Shruti Kallideen, Azhar Lakhi, Mnotho Mbuyisa, Thando Mdlolo, Resantha Naidoo and Sridaria Rabichand with four distinctions each.
The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal congratulated the matriculants after the province achieved an overall pass rate of 90.6 percent, placing it first nationally. The party described the results as “a moment of immense pride and a reflection of the resilience, discipline and determination of pupils, as well as the dedication of educators and support staff”.
While celebrating the achievements, the DA raised concerns about the performance of some special needs schools, emphasising the need for tailored support, adequate resources and focused interventions to ensure pupils with special educational needs are not left behind.
The party also acknowledged that the strong results were achieved despite systemic challenges, including issues related to the national school nutrition programme, delayed funding, infrastructure backlogs and administrative constraints.
Meanwhile, community leaders joined in celebrating the results. Councillor Abbas Warasally showed his support by joining Ward 20 matriculants Aryana Singh, Kiyana Singh and Caitlyn Naidoo on Monday evening, 12 January, as they searched national newspapers for their results. Congratulating the pupils, Warasally wished them all success as they embark on the next chapter of their journey. “Once again, we commend the Class of 2025, their families and educators for delivering results that make KZN proud,” added Warasally.
