JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng’s top achievers have a clear message for the class of 2026.
That is to have self-belief, put in the extra work and maintain a balance between academics and extra mural activities which also help maintain a health life.
Nchongatakor Besong from Jeppe Girls High School, Size Gule from St John's College and Kelly Phillips from Dainfern College reflected on lessons that carried them in what they described as a demanding academic year.
Gule secured 9 distinctions, Besong received 6 distinctions while Phillips bagged 9 distinctions.
READ | Top 2025 matric achievers honoured ahead of results announcement
The trio's achievements adds to thousands of pupils who contributed to Gauteng being placed third as one of the best performing provinces with 89.06 percent
The province follows after KwaZulu-Natal which secured the first place at 90.6 percent and Free State with 89.33 percent
Overall the matric class of 2025 achieved a record-breaking pass rate of 88 percent
This is an increase of around 0.7 percent from 2024 which was at 87.3 percent
Amid the advice the trio was overjoyed by their own achievements describing the moment as rewarding.