- Simesihle Khuzwayo from Nongoma received eight distinctions and was honoured at the Durban ICC.
- Her church, school and community plan celebrations to honour her achievement.
There is pride and celebration in Nongoma after a local pupil was named among the country’s top matric achievers.
Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu High School received eight distinctions in the 2025 matric exams.
She was honoured on Tuesday at the Durban ICC during an awards ceremony led by the Minister of Basic Education.
Simesihle is from Nongoma in northern KwaZulu-Natal and is a member of the Methodist Church in the area.
Her success has brought joy to her church, school and the wider community.
On Tuesday, messages of congratulations poured in from across the province. Community members also began planning a motorcade to celebrate her achievement.
The motorcade is expected to travel from her home at Queen Nolonolo to her school on Wednesday.
Former Methodist Church youth leader Thelumusa Ntombela said the church is very proud of her.
“We are proud because she has lifted our rural community,” he said. “She has shown that background does not limit success.”
Ntombela said her achievement proves that hard work and support can take young people far.
As the Methodist Church under the Nongoma Circuit, he said they celebrate her success as their own.
Simesihle’s achievement also highlights the role of rural and township schools in KwaZulu-Natal’s strong matric performance.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest matric pass rate in the country for the Class of 2025.
The uMkhanyakude district, one of the poorest areas in South Africa, ranked second nationally and first in the province.
Community leaders say results like these show that talent exists everywhere when learners are given a chance.
Pictured above: Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma who achieved eight distinctions.
Image source: Supplied
