“You are the top 3% of almost 9 billion people. This brings huge responsibility. You are needed, you are our future, your home, your community, your town, the Cape Winelands District and the Western Cape need you. South Africa needs you.” Stated the Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District, Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht as she addressed the top achieving matriculants of 2025.
This anticipated event, now in its 10th year celebration, recognises the hard work, dedication and commitment that learners have shown, not only through their final year at school, but throughout their education. “Excellence does not happen overnight; it is achieved through consistent application.” Mayor Von Schlicht stated. “And you did not achieve on your own, you have had the support of parents, guardians, teachers, family members and your community. I extend my deep appreciation to all those who have supported these learners.”
For the first time in the 10 years that the CWDM has been hosting the event, the highest scoring top achiever is a young man! Michael Pearce of Hoër Jongenskool in Paarl achieved an amazing 96.33%, this was closely followed by Nayda Joubert at Paarl Girls’ High School and Kristen Willimason of Rhenish, both achieving close to 96%.
Each top achiever was awarded a bursary of R15 000 from the Mayoral Study-Aid Fund, a total of (R1.2million). These funds are payable directly to the institution where the learner is registered for tertiary education. In addition to the study-aid, the three top achievers were each awarded with a laptop sponsored by Santam.
Three outstanding educators received recognition for their resilience and determination to assist learners. They too received a new laptop each, these were sponsored by Old Mutual. “It is with pleasure that we can recognise the role of educators on this platform,” Mr Noel Petersen, Director: Western Cape Education in the Cape Winelands stated as he shared that two of the three teachers are from the L.K Zeeman Academy in Paarl. “I would also like to call their Principal, Caren Venter to the stage, we call her Mrs Fix-it-all! Besides the two educators, this school has undergone an incredible turnaround. In 2024, LK Zeeman Academy was the worst performing school in the Province, with a pass rate of only 34%. In 2025, they achieved a remarkable 51% increase, bringing the pass rate to a remarkable 84%.” Shared Mr Petersen.
The LK Zeeman educators who received accolades were, Jade Brink for Maths Literacy and Deirdre Petersen for Business Studies, while Lukhanyo Spofanana of Zwelethemba High School in Worcester received acknowledgement for his resilience and dedication.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” closed Mayor von Schlicht, “tonight we celebrate the villages and all the people in them.”
