“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.”
These were the words of Dr Elna von Schlicht, executive mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) during her address to the top-achieving matriculants of 2025 in the Cape Winelands at the Paarl Town Hall last Thursday (5 July).
Von Schlicht spoke during the 10th annual celebration that recognises the hard work, dedication and commitment local learners have shown, not only through their final year at school, but throughout their schooling careers.
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“Excellence does not happen overnight; it is achieved through consistent application,” she stated. “And you did not achieve it 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 decade the CWDM has hosted the event, the highest scoring top achiever was Michael Pearce of Paarl Boys’ High School, who achieved an amazing 96,33% average, closely followed by Nayda Joubert of Paarl Girls’ High School and Kristen Williamson of Rhenish Girls’ High School, both achieving close to 96%.
Each top achiever was awarded a bursary of R15 000 from the Mayoral Study-Aid Fund, a total of R1,2 million. 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 teachers also 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,” said Noel Petersen, director for the provincial education department in the Cape Winelands.
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Two of the three teachers were from the LK Zeeman Academy in Paarl: Jade Brink (maths literacy) and Deirdre Petersen (business studies). Lukhanyo Spofanana of Zwelethemba High School in Worcester was the third top teacher, who was acknowledged for his resilience and dedication.
Petersen also called Caren Venter, principal of LK Zeeman Academy to the stage. “We call her Mrs Fix-it-all,” he joked. “Besides the [achievements of 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 it achieved a remarkable 51% increase, bringing the pass rate to a remarkable 84%.”
In closing, Von Schlicht said: “It takes a village to raise a child and tonight we celebrate the villages and all the people in them.”
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