Ermelo – The Gert Sibande District celebrated academic excellence on Thursday, 22 January 2026, as top-performing Grade 12 learners, schools and educators were honoured during the annual District Grade 12 Awards Ceremony held at the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) Office Complex.
The ceremony, hosted by GSDM in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) and key stakeholders, recognised the Class of 2025 for achieving an impressive 87.1% matric pass rate across the district. The event highlighted outstanding performance by learners, teachers, schools, education circuits and municipalities.
A total of 16 schools were acknowledged for achieving a 100% pass rate, while Ligbron Academy of Technology was named the overall best-performing school in the district. The spotlight of the day fell on the top 20 learner achievers from various schools across Gert Sibande.
Among the standout performers was Ms Luyanda Ndhlozi from Elangwane Secondary School in Volkrust, under the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality. Coming from a Quintile 1 school, Ndhlozi was crowned the overall top learner in the district and was also recognised as one of the top 40 matric achievers nationally, a milestone that drew loud applause from attendees.
The awards ceremony also recognised excellence in several other categories, including best-performing circuit, best Quintile 1 school, most improved school, best subject candidates, and best high-enrolment circuit, an honour that went to the Mpuluzi Circuit.
Top achievers received a wide range of prizes sponsored by various partners, including the Mpumalanga Department of Education, GSDM, Eskom, Sasol, Msobo Coal, Sanlam Sky, Sanlam Life, ABT Telecoms, Habannah Logistics and others. The rewards included cash prizes, laptops, certificates, trophies, electrical appliances and travel luggage, aimed at motivating continued academic excellence.
Addressing the gathering, District Director Mr Peter Magagula praised the district’s consistent performance and the collective efforts invested in strengthening education.
“We are all responsible for branding Gert Sibande District with excellence and quality. No one should be left behind; hence we are supporting each other,” Magagula said, adding that the district remains committed to making education “fashionable” through strategic investments and partnerships.
An honorary award was also presented to the Gert Sibande District Executive Mayor in recognition of his role as an ambassador for education and his continued support in hosting and promoting the annual Grade 12 Awards.
In his keynote address, the Executive Mayor encouraged the Class of 2025 to embrace both success and responsibility.
“Move forward with confidence, but also with humility. Carry your knowledge with wisdom, your ambition with compassion, and your success with a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
He added that the learners’ achievements have the power to transform not only their own lives, but also contribute meaningfully to the renewal of South Africa and the African continent.
The event was attended by executive mayors from local municipalities within the district, senior officials from the Mpumalanga Department of Education, school principals, teachers, sponsor representatives and proud parents.
The ceremony once again reinforced Gert Sibande District’s commitment to education excellence, learner support and community-driven development, positioning the district as a leading performer in Mpumalanga’s education landscape.
Listen to Ikwekwezi FM Sivukule Breakfast Show’s Eziphuma Ekhasini with this story in it: CLICK HERE
