Simesihle Khuzwayo has emerged as **KwaZulu-Natal’s top matric achiever for 2025**, a remarkable accomplishment shaped by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A learner from **King Bhekuzulu College in Nongoma**, Khuzwayo’s journey to the top was not without obstacles, as serious health challenges disrupted a significant portion of her academic year.
During her matric year, Khuzwayo fell ill and was forced to miss most of her winter classes, placing her at risk of falling behind her peers. However, instead of allowing the setback to define her, she pushed herself to work even harder. She adopted unconventional but effective study methods, turning to digital platforms and maintaining close contact with her teachers to ensure she stayed on track.
“During my matric year, I felt sick and missed most of my winter classes. However, despite this, I had to try and catch up, which meant a great deal of studying through the use of TikTok and calling my teachers at the wee hours,” she explained. Khuzwayo added that she spent countless hours watching educational videos online and even found tutors through social media platforms, proving that resourcefulness can bridge even the biggest academic gaps.
Her experiences with illness have not only shaped her academic discipline but also influenced her future aspirations. Khuzwayo intends to study **medicine**, a career path inspired by her lifelong health challenges and childhood experiences. “As someone who is sickly, I will be studying medicine this year, simply because of my health challenges. It is something I really want to do,” she said. Her ambition reflects a deep desire to help others facing similar struggles and to turn her personal hardships into a source of healing and hope.
Khuzwayo’s story was shared alongside that of **Sanele Vilakazi**, another top achiever whose circumstances highlight the resilience of South Africa’s matric class of 2025. Vilakazi, a learner from **Makause Combined School**, lives in the informal settlement of Waya Waya in Ogies, where access to basic services remains a daily challenge. Waking up at 4am to fetch water from the river became part of his routine, as there is no electricity or running water in his community.
“In Waya Waya, there is no electricity, and there is no water. Every morning and afternoon, I had to go to the river to fetch water, and that was the worst challenge in my matric year,” Vilakazi shared. Despite these hardships, he believes that dedication and perseverance played a major role in his success. He now hopes to carry these values forward as he pursues a degree in **Data Science**.
Commenting on the achievements of learners like Khuzwayo and Vilakazi, **Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube** praised their resilience, while also acknowledging the crucial role played by families and teachers. “Behind every high-achieving learner is a home that made sacrifices. A home that chose discipline over comfort, encouragement over despair,” she said. She also thanked educators across the country, recognising their dedication and commitment to shaping young minds.
Simesihle Khuzwayo’s success stands as a powerful reminder that determination, adaptability, and support can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Her achievement not only brings pride to Nongoma and KwaZulu-Natal but also serves as an inspiration to learners across South Africa who dare to dream beyond their challenges.
