By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Abigail Kok, an 18-year-old matriculant from York High School in the Western Cape, was honoured as the Top Learner in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) at an awards ceremony held at the Mosaïek Theatre in Fairlands, Johannesburg.
In her vote of thanks, Deputy Minister of Basic Education Reginah Mhaule said the recognition marked another milestone in celebrating South Africa’s most promising young achievers in the basic education sector.
Speaking moments after receiving her awards — which also included Top National Achiever in Quintile 5 schools and Top National Achiever in Physical Sciences — Kok described the moment as “completely surreal”.
“To be perfectly honest, this is a bit of a dream come true,” she said.
Abigail received seven distinctions, with her highest marks of 100% for accounting and 99% for physical science and mathematics. She also achieved 100% for Life Orientation.
While the accolade represents a major achievement, Kok admitted she is still reflecting on what it might mean for her future.
“I have absolutely no idea right now. I don’t know if it’s going to open job opportunities,” she said.
Kok plans to study at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape and intends to pursue data science, having initially registered for actuarial science.
Explaining her decision to change course, she said actuarial science is largely focused on mathematics, statistics and risk, with career paths mainly in insurance and banking.
“Data science still involves maths and statistics, but also computers, and I really enjoy working with data,” she said.
“That’s why I want to make the change — it can be applied across many industries and still includes a strong maths component.”
Originally from the Eden District in the Central Karoo, Kok described her matric year as both demanding and rewarding.
She took English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting and Life Orientation, relying on early preparation, mind maps and a strict study timetable.
“My only tip would be to start early,” she said.
“Don’t procrastinate, and make an effort to understand your work instead of learning it like a parrot.”
Family support played a crucial role in her success. Kok said her parents fostered a strong learning environment from an early age and encouraged balance through weekly hikes to help manage stress.
At school, she credited her teachers for motivating her to go beyond the curriculum and for their constant encouragement and support.
Despite her achievements, Kok admitted that perfectionism was her biggest challenge during exams.
“I tend to overthink things,” she said.
“My biggest challenge was learning that my best is good enough — and it’s something I’m still getting used to.”
Reflecting on her matric year, which she described as her “nicest year”, Kok encouraged the Class of 2026 to embrace the experience.
“Your first term is solid, but by term two you’re already preparing for exams, with terms three and four being almost entirely exam-focused,” she said.
“Matric is a lot of work. Enjoy the last chance you have to be a child — because after that, you’re no longer a child.”
The event underscored the importance of recognising young achievers not only for their academic excellence, but also for their potential to inspire others — something Kok’s achievement clearly embodies.
INSIDE EDUCATION
