By Thapelo Molefe
Luyanda Ndlozi of Elangwane Secondary School in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, has made her mark as one of the country’s top matric achievers in 2025, topping quintile 1 schools nationally.
Achieving seven distinctions, including 99% in Mathematics and Accounting and 97% in Physical Sciences, Luyanda’s exceptional results earned her national recognition, and a suite of prizes to match.
The Mpumalanga provincial education department awarded her a new car, R66,000 in cash, and a full bursary covering tuition, accommodation, and study materials, while corporate sponsors gifted her a laptop, smartwatch, power bank, bar fridge, and microwave.
For Luyanda, reaching the top was the result of relentless dedication and discipline.
“I studied every day, even when I was tired,” she says. “Some days it was exhausting, but I knew I had to push through to reach my goals.”
Long school days, heavy bags, and late-night study sessions were part of her daily routine, and she credits her mother and her school for giving her the support she needed to stay focused.
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Her teachers and school principal, Mr. Ngwenya, went above and beyond, sacrificing personal time to ensure learners could excel.
“They believed in me even when I doubted myself,” Luyanda says.
She also benefited from supplementary programs like the Kutlwanong Pro-MathS Centre and two SAICA camps, which strengthened her understanding of Mathematics and Physical Sciences and built her confidence to tackle difficult questions.
Now, Luyanda is looking ahead to Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Cape Town, a field that combines robotics, automation, and smart systems.
“I want to help advance technology in South Africa,” she explains. “I hope to develop innovations in healthcare, automation, and other sectors to bring our country closer to the technological standards of the world.”
Luyanda encourages learners entering Grade 12 to embrace discipline, time management, and consistent effort.
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“It won’t be easy, and there will be times when you feel like giving up,” she says. “But if you push yourself, stay organised, and make the most of every day, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.”
Luyanda Ndlozi’s story is a testament to perseverance, vision, and community support, a reminder that even learners from rural schools can reach national excellence with dedication and determination.
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