Melissa Müller, the top matriculant in the country for 2023, is still coming down from the high of her remarkable achievement.
The Rhenish Girls’ High School learner was announced as the overall number one Grade 12 learner in South Africa at the Department of Basic Education’s annual release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in Pretoria last Thursday evening (18 January). At the same event, she was also named the country’s top learner in mathematics and top learner at a quintile 5 school.
The Stellenbosch local achieved a 97,6% aggregate, raking in seven A-symbols – 93% for English home language, 95% for Afrikaans first additional language, 100% for mathematics, 100% for accounting, 99% for life sciences, 99% for physical sciences, and 97% for life orientation.
The reality of her outstanding achievement is slowly starting to set in during what has been an overwhelming, but rewarding week for the 18-year-old. Asked whether the reality of what transpired had sunk in, she said: “I think what happened truly started being a reality to me when I saw videos of myself on social media.
“I am so happy and enjoying every moment. I’m really coming out of my shell and learning a lot about myself, thanks to all the media interviews. I am truly gaining confidence and I am especially proud of the person I am.”
Although she managed to be in first place in her grade every year since she was a Grade 4 learner at Rhenish Primary School, she did not expect her achievement in Grade 12 would be of such a great magnitude.
“I worked hard throughout my schooling, yet the announcement came as a complete surprise,” Melissa said. “I had hoped to be invited to the provincial and national events, but I didn’t expect that I would be the country’s top learner.”
Achieving flawless results in mathematics and accounting, it is clear the humble teenager has a natural flair for numbers, something that was further cultivated by her father André. “I have a passion for numbers, which started at a young age. At primary school my dad would ask us to recite our timetables while driving to school. It also helps that I am able to remember numbers easily.”
Melissa attributed her academic success to hard work, discipline and good time management throughout her schooling, but also to her solid support structure set by her parents and Rhenish family.
“The teachers and environment at Rhenish helped me greatly, especially in my matric year, when I was away writing my Cambridge A-levels in maths and physics as well as on sports tours.”
The humble blue-eyed girl is not all about books and learning, she was part of the school’s first hockey and water-polo teams, and she has a special penchant for community service.
She was also a member of the Rhenish Learner Council.
“My love for community service started when I was in Grade 10, in lockdown winter. I taught myself to crochet by watching YouTube videos and crocheted 30 beanies for the children at a crèche in Khayamandi.
“During the June holidays I also created some educational games, which I also took to the same crèche.”
Melissa is looking forward to her next academic journey, her first year of studies in megatronic engineering at Stellenbosch University, and especially to delving into new subject matter.
“I have always been very curious by nature. I am excited about exploring more subjects. University gives one the chance to go into subjects in depth. School subjects were really just the tip of the iceberg. I cannot wait to apply my skills at university.”
What is her advice to the matric class of 2024?
“Work through past question papers to get a feel for the way questions are asked. Find study efficiencies and what works best for you. Most of all, enjoy the year.
“It is a long time, and it can get much longer if you are not enjoying what you are doing.”
