BLOEMFONTEIN – Pick n Pay Preller Walk has been closely associated with the Matriculant of the Year competition for more than a decade.

According to John Pentz of this store in Bloemfontein their involvement reflects a core value established by founder Raymond Ackerman: giving back to the communities that support the business.

“We feel privileged to be part of this prestigious event where businesses help make a major impact on the lives of the future of our youth and, obviously, our country.”

‘This will make South Africa a great place’

Whatever your definition of success, achieving it requires dedication, discipline, and an openness to growth and change.

“What makes this competition so important is that a top group of South Africa’s future elite are able to interact regarding certain skills. With the challenges we have in this country the engagement of our best candidates will make South Africa a great place.”

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Pentz feels discipline and having a goal are what set top achievers apart in a competition like this.

“Top candidates – in fact, anyone who has discipline and a goal to be the best you can be – will succeed in the journey called life. We all have different directions we follow and a passion for our calling makes a major difference in life.”

‘Inspiring, kind, driven individuals’ connected with

Last year’s winner, Kiara Subramanian, says she will always be grateful for winning the competition, “not just because of the title, but because of the people it brought into my life”.

“It gave me the opportunity to connect with such inspiring, kind, and driven individuals, many of whom I now get to walk this journey of studying medicine with.

“What started as a competition quickly became something much more meaningful; friendships, support, and a shared understanding that we are all striving toward something bigger than ourselves,” says the former learner of Eunice High School in Bloemfontein.

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The competition taught Subramanian, now a first-year medicine student, the importance of connection and encouragement. It showed her how powerful it is to be surrounded by people who uplift and motivate you.

Another 2025 finalist, Laura Andrade de Ponte who is studying medical physics this year, also formed wonderful friendships during the final round in Bloemfontein.

“These friendships gave me great comfort when I started university. The connections I made with the chaperones (the previous year’s finalists) also allowed me to adjust to university much faster because they were able to give me personalised advice based on their experience.”

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Andrade de Ponte, who matriculated at the High School for Girls Potchefstroom, advises this year’s finalists to be confident and to believe in their capabilities, even though it may be intimidating.

“Support one another throughout the competition and make sure you have fun along the way, because that is where the best friendships are formed.”

This is how you enter

Matric learners from across South Africa who excel in academics, culture, and sport and plan to study at the UFS next year are invited to enter.

The top 25 participants stand to win scholarships, cash prizes, and gifts worth about R500 000, sponsored by UFS Student Recruitment Services, the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Forvis Mazars, Absa, and Pick n Pay Preller Walk.

Learners may enter themselves or be nominated by their schools. A total of 25 semifinalists will be selected, with 14 finalists advancing to the final round in Bloemfontein from 5 to 7 October.

Scan the QR code to download and complete the entry form. Submit it to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za by 31 July.