STELLALANDER-MOROKWENG: Temogo Matong, a Grade 12 learner from Setswakgosing Secondary School in Morokweng Village, Kagisano-Molopo, has emerged as one of South Africa’s outstanding academic performers after being named among the National Top 40 Matric Achievers for the Class of 2025.
Matong distinguished himself as the top learner nationally among Quintile 2 schools and as one of the top achievers in the North West province. His achievement has brought pride not only to his school, but also to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (Dr RSM) District. The Dr RSM District recorded an impressive 87.7% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, marking a notable improvement on previous years and confirming a steady upward trend in learner performance.
In recognition of this progress, the district was awarded the title of “Most Improved District” at the provincial matric results release by the MEC for Education, Ms Viola Motsumi. To celebrate these achievements, the district hosted a matric results celebration honouring learners who delivered exceptional results. Among those recognised was Matong, whose performance has been celebrated nationally as a shining example of excellence from a Quintile 2 school. During the event, District Mayor Dr RSM Councillor Motseokae Maje congratulated the learners and pledged R50 000 to Matong as start-up funding to assist with expenses when he begins his studies in Cape Town. District Director Ms Mojakhumo Dithejane expressed her appreciation to parents for their support and cooperation throughout the 2025 academic year. She noted that the collective effort of parents, educators, learners and education stakeholders played a vital role in achieving the district’s strong results. The district has set its sights on achieving a 90% pass rate in the next academic year. Matong, an 18-year-old and the middle child of three, comes from a family that values education. His elder sister is studying Education at a tertiary institution, while his younger sister is still at school. Reflecting on his success, Matong said he often helped his classmates with their studies. “Whenever we studied together, I was often the one explaining the work. The more you repeat something, the better you understand it. I realised that sharing knowledge is caring,” he said. “Today I stand with great pride knowing that I have helped many of my classmates.” His matric results are remarkable, with his highest subject mark being 99% and his lowest 90%, securing his position as the top learner nationally in the Quintile 2 category. Matong attributes his success to paying close attention in class and following his teachers’ guidance. “My advice to learners is to listen to their teachers and follow their instructions. They are trained to teach you,” he said. “Learners should avoid distractions, choose friends who support their studies and form study groups to help one another.” Setswakgosing Secondary School principal, Mr Olaotse Moreke, described Matong as a dedicated and exceptional learner. “From the early grades, Temogo showed that he was committed to his studies and determined to succeed,” he said. Matong plans to pursue medical studies at the University of Cape Town. MEC for Education Viola Motsumi praised his achievement, noting that rural schools continue to produce learners of exceptional quality. “As the North West Department of Education, we are extremely proud that Temogo Matong comes from a rural-based school. This proves that rural schools are producing top learners who can compete with the best in urban areas,” she said.
