JEFFREYS BAY – Noluthando Bans, a 2025 Matric learner at Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive High School, has brought pride to her community after being recognised as the top learner in Kouga, achieving second position in the Sarah Baartman District and becoming one of the Eastern Cape’s top achievers.
The Eastern Cape celebrated its top-performing Matric learners on 13 January at the 2025 Matric Achievers Award ceremony held at the East London ICC, with the province recording an 84,2% Matric pass rate.
At the ceremony, Bans received a certificate indicating her second position in the Sarah Baartman District, along with a trophy, laptop, cellphone, suitcase and laptop bag.
She obtained distinctions in Tourism, Xhosa, and Life Orientation, in addition to achieving 79% in all other subjects.
Bans said that she was extremely excited when she received confirmation of her results because it was her goal for the year. She said that she has always strived to obtain high marks, and she therefore worked hard towards her goals.
“I did expect remarkable results, because when I began matric, my goal was to reach the national level; but it was exciting to reach the provincial level,” said Bans.
I made sure nothing came between me and my books, especially during exams. – Noluthando Bans
The achievement holds special significance as she comes from humble beginnings.
Bans said she felt immense pride representing the Kouga region and the Sarah Baartman District.
She described her journey from the dusty streets of Jeffreys Bay’s informal settlements to meeting Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC Fundile Gade at the 2025 Matric Achievers Award ceremony as culminating in “the best day of my life”.
Her motivation throughout the year was driven by her determination to become the first family member to complete high school.
“The motivation that kept me going was the thought that in my family, no one has ever reached Gr.12. Bear in mind, I am the sixth-born out of eight children,” said Bans.
“I wanted to break that generational curse and be the first matriculant in my family to pass with high marks.”
Regarding her study approach, Bans said that she did not have a specific study strategy since she had seven subjects that required different study techniques.
However, she said that she mastered consistency.
“I made sure nothing came between me and my books, especially during exams,” said Bans.
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Looking ahead, she has been accepted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for Education and the University of the Free State (UFS) for Law; however, she has yet to decide which university she will attend since she is passionate about both fields.
For the matric class of 2026, Bans offered practical advice. She advised learners to do their best in their studies and highlighted the importance of time management.
Bans also encouraged learners to set ambitious goals for themselves to strive towards.
“The Gr.12 curriculum is a load of work and can be stressful if you cannot manage time appropriately,” said Bans.
She also addressed challenges that learners may face, but encouraged them to remain focused.
“Many Gr.12 learners are exposed to bullying and other frustrating situations, but I want to urge them not to allow those things to define them. Instead, they must rise above their circumstances. They must not be afraid to ask for help, attend extra classes, and form study groups of no more than four people,” said Bans.
Reflecting on her achievement, Bans said that attending the Matric Achievers Award ceremony held at the East London ICC was an answered prayer.
“I am reaping what I had planted, and I experienced everything that I had dreamt of since I started Gr.12.”
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