Uitenhage High School Head Boy Vindry Horne has secured a place among the top 14 finalists in the 44th Matriculant of the Year Competition, one of South Africa’s most prestigious academic competitions.
The competition, presented by the University of the Free State (UFS), Netwerk24, and Volksblad, selected just 25 finalists from hundreds of entries nationwide. Of these, only 14 matriculants formed the elite top group.
The annual competition seeks versatile students who excel across academics, sports, culture, and leadership. Running for its 44th year, it remains open to matriculants from across South Africa.
Major sponsors include the Kovsies Alumni Trust as the main sponsor, alongside Absa, Pick n Pay Preller Walk, and Forvis Mazars. Two special awards will also be granted for outstanding achievements in sports and culture.
Speaking to UD Express, Horne shared how he felt when he first learned that he was selected as one of the finalists: “I felt deeply honoured and excited to be selected as one of the 14 finalists. My very first reaction was to share the news with my mentor and school principal, as it is a remarkable achievement for my school not only to participate but also succeed in this prestigious competition.”
He added, “My family and school community responded with immense pride and encouragement, celebrating this milestone with me. Their support and praise reminded me how important it is to share uplifting news in our communities, as it inspires hope and motivation for others.”
The competition recognises excellence in academics, sports, culture and leadership. Horne shared in which specific field he succeeded and what his strongest area was.
“In academics, I have consistently ranked among the top 10 achievers in my grade throughout my high school career. While I was not an active sports player, I made it a priority to support sporting events and assist with coordination, ensuring their success beyond the field. Culturally, I was actively involved in our school choir, the Interact Committee, as well as public speaking and creative writing initiatives.
“In leadership, I have had the privilege of serving as Head Boy of Uitenhage High School, having previously received the Exceptional Leadership Award twice, along with recognition as Best All-Rounder in both Grade 10 and 11, and again as the school’s overall Best All-Rounder in 2024. Beyond school, I also served the wider community through initiatives such as the Creative Arts Holiday Club, where I facilitated and supported youth programmes. My strongest areas are culture and leadership, as they have allowed me to combine passion with service and impact.”
As the head boy of Uitenhage High School, Horne displays significant leadership qualities.
In preparation for this role, he said, “Serving as head boy has prepared me for competitions like this by teaching me to take the initiative, stay focused, and remain humble while trusting the process, even when the outcome is uncertain. Leading the school community requires persistence, dedication, and a commitment to achieving collective success.”
He added that his leadership philosophy is guided by his personal mantra, Ek strewe na uitnemendheid, en beterskap vir almal (I strive for excellence and betterment for all), as well as the five values of Uitenhage High School: Respect, Equality, Integrity, Excellence, and Pride.
“These principles remind me to respect myself and others, treat everyone equally, act with integrity, pursue excellence, and take pride in all my endeavours, regardless of the outcome.”
Horne said that he was most excited about the overall experience – meeting future leaders, experiencing the environment, and forming connections that could last a lifetime.
“For the evaluations, we’ve been informed that we will be assessed on appearance, character, and other personal qualities that reflect leadership. My strategy for the final round is to stay true to myself, remain humble, and let my personality shine, while keeping my school’s five values and my personal mantra in mind. My goals are, of course, to aim at first place, but above all, I want to enjoy the experience and gain valuable insights that will serve me well beyond the competition.”
In giving advice to those who come after him, Horne advised that they work hard both inside and outside the classroom, while maintaining a balanced, all-round life that includes academics, sports, culture, leadership, and fun – remembering that they are first a child, then a learner, and then everything else.
“The biggest lessons I’ve learned during my matric year are the importance of planning – because if you fail to plan, you plan to fail – and staying focused on your end goals, regardless of the commotion or distractions around you,” he said.
Horne will compete in the final round from 13 to 15 October in Bloemfontein, where he stands to win over R12,000 in prize money plus a R10,000 Kovsies Alumni Trust bursary.
