Hard work and determination proved to be the driving forces behind Abigail Kok being named South Africa’s top matric achiever for 2025. She also claimed the top position nationally in Physical Sciences.

The York High School learner from George achieved an exceptional overall average of 98.4%.

Kok, together with the Western Cape’s top-performing learners, was honoured at the province’s annual National Senior Certificate Awards Ceremony, held today at the Premier’s official residence in Leeuwenhof.

Provincial results reach new heights

The Western Cape achieved its highest pass rate of 88.2%, up from the record-breaking 86.6% in 2024.

The province’s bachelor’s pass rate increased from 47.8% to 49.2%.

This is also the highest ever for the province, and the second highest in the country.

ALSO READ: Historic 88% pass rate marks best-ever matric results for South Africa

Kok told People’s Post being named first in the country still feels surreal.

Kok told People’s Post being named first in the country still feels surreal.

“It is a massive privilege. I only have God to thank that I am here. It was a wild dream come true. Last year was fun for me, yes it was hard work and exams, but it was amazing.”

She shared an inspiring message with the class of 2026.

“Good luck and I hope you find a balance. May you enjoy and remember to laugh. Because yes, exams are important, but they can also steal your joy. God bless.”

David Maynier, provincial education minister, lauded the learners for their “exemplary achievement” and wished them well for the future.

Top LSEN achiever overcomes challenges

Takunda Muchuweni from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, was announced as the top LSEN matric candidate (Learners with Special Education Needs) in the country.

Despite living with muscular dystrophy, Takunda stayed focused and committed to her academics.

She explains some of the challenges she experienced during her matric year.

“During my matric year there were many days I was in physical pain and sick and that influenced my mood and energy and how I wrote my exams. There were times I wrote my exams while I was sick.”

Ministerial award recognises perseverance

Roux Basson, from Piketberg High School on the West Coast, received the ministerial award.

This award recognises candidates who achieved excellent academic results each year despite significant hardship, ill health, and personal challenges.

Basson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) early last year and began intensive chemotherapy.

Despite major treatment, including knee transplant surgery and further chemotherapy, he continued attending school, meeting academic requirements, and supporting school activities.

He completed his final matric exams while still in treatment and achieved excellent results, earning a bachelor’s pass with three distinctions, including strong passes in Mathematics and Physical Science.

Basson told People’s Post his family and friends kept him motivated.

“There is always light at the end of the tunnel. You must keep pushing to get there. My family and friends were always there for me.”

Premier Alan Winde encouraged the learners to dream big and not let fear stand in their way.

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Standing at the crossroads of Grade 11 or matric, the question “What’s next?” can feel overwhelming. With countless career paths and study options ahead, making informed decisions has never been more crucial. The article below is aimed at giving some sound advice on dealing with matric exams and is sourced from Novus Media’s Beyond Matric: Navigating Your Future career guide. This essential guide explores diverse careers—from mechatronics and media communications to teaching and yachting—while tackling practical realities like securing bursaries, choosing between universities and TVET colleges, and developing ICT skills. Complete with podcast links covering 4th Industrial Revolution careers and Gen Z trends, this guide transforms uncertainty into confidence.

From tax-free benefits in the Middle East to permanent residency pathways in Australia, overseas teaching positions are attracting record numbers of South African educators seeking professional advancement and life-changing experiences.

In an exclusive interview, Irene Toerien, Chief Operations Manager at SA-Recruitment – a London-based education recruitment agency – shares essential insights for teachers considering international careers.

The Reality of Teaching Abroad

“Teaching abroad presents an incredible opportunity, but it requires patience, organisation, and significant upfront investment,” explains Toerien.

“This isn’t something that materialises overnight. It’s a comprehensive journey requiring proactive planning and constant communication with your recruitment agency.”

Growing Demand for International Positions

The trend toward international teaching continues to accelerate. “Absolutely, the numbers increase almost annually,” confirms Toerien when asked about rising interest in overseas opportunities.

Why teachers are looking abroad:

• Australia: Pathway to citizenship, stability, and excellent family opportunities
• Middle East: Tax-free salaries, complimentary flights and accommodation, plus invaluable international experience

“The Middle East serves as a fantastic stepping stone for those ultimately aiming to relocate to Australia,” notes Toerien. “Many educators begin their international careers there, gain valuable experience, save substantially, then transition to Australia for longer-term settlement.”

Essential Requirements and Preparation

Critical alignment requirement: Your degree and post-qualification experience must match exactly. “If your qualification is in Foundation Phase, your post-qualification experience must also be in Foundation Phase,” emphasises Toerien. “International schools maintain strict requirements regarding this correlation.”

Early documentation: Apply for South African Council for Educators (SACE) registration and SAQA letters as early as possible – these require considerable processing time.

Do’s and Don’ts for International Teaching Applications

Essential Do’s:

• Ensure genuine readiness for this significant life change
• Develop the appropriate mindset and prepare financially
• Conduct thorough independent research
• Clarify resignation terms in South Africa
• Maintain consistent communication with your agency
• Be fully prepared before approaching recruitment agencies

Critical Don’ts:

• Leave document preparation until the last moment
• Delay registering with reputable recruitment agencies
• Apply for vacancies impulsively without proper preparation

Financial Planning by Destination

Middle East Positions

• Covered by schools: Flights, visas, and accommodation
• Teacher expenses: Document authentication (£200 – £550) and initial living expenses before first salary

Australian Positions

• Teacher covers all upfront costs: IELTS Academic test (~£380), AITSL skills assessment (~£900), medical and police checks (£40-£200) and flights and accommodation

Available Opportunities

Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain)

• Recruitment timeline: August/September start; hiring begins January
• High-demand subjects: Foundation Phase/Early Years, Elementary/Primary, Middle and High School (English, Science, Mathematics), Specialist (PE, Music, Art)
• Requirements: 2-3 years classroom experience, clean police clearance and verified qualifications

Australia

• Academic year: January start
• High-demand subjects: High School (English), Foundation Phase, Middle School (English), Specialist subjects (High School Art, IT, Mathematics)
• Requirements: IELTS Academic (Reading/Writing: 7.0, Speaking/Listening: 8.0), Practicum teaching letter detailing hours and phases; ideally three years classroom experience and AITSL skills assessment for permanent

The Value of Professional Support

“Navigating international school applications, contracts, and visa requirements can prove extremely complex,” states Toerien.

“A reputable recruitment agency helps teachers avoid potential pitfalls whilst ensuring they’re matched with roles suited to their qualifications and experience.”

SA-Recruitment, specialising in placing South African teachers abroad for decades, charges teachers no fees for their services. “Over the years, we’ve received countless testimonials from teachers who’ve successfully built international careers through our support,” adds Toerien.

Getting Started – Application Process

• Research thoroughly: Visit SA-Recruitment’s website blog section for practical articles and first-hand advice
• Monitor opportunities: Follow social media platforms for vacancy updates
• Apply directly:
• Middle East positions: info@sa-recruitment.com
• Australia positions: cv@sa-recruitment.com

“Our support continues throughout the entire journey, from initial application right through to successful integration at your new school,” concludes Toerien.

For more information about international teaching opportunities, visit SA-Recruitment‘s website or contact their team directly

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Activists marched in Simon’s Town to save Cape Peninsula baboons from forced removal.

“This campaign demands accountability, not just for baboons, but for how we treat the wild spaces and beings who share this land with us,” said activist Chad Cupido, who marched with over 50 other protesters. They stood in solidarity for the safety of the baboon troops in the Southern peninsula in Simon’s Town on Friday 18 July.

At the peaceful protest, Cupido, Executive Officer at Beauty Without Cruelty, handed over a memorandum of demands advocating for the safety of some baboon troops to some of the City’s law makers and stakeholders, who reportedly plan to re-home these primates in the near future.

The campaign was led by Beauty Without Cruelty and Baboon Matters, with support from Baboon Watch and the Green Group in Simon’s Town, Cupido added.

“The purpose of the march was to demand an immediate halt to the proposed removal of five baboon troops and to urge the City of Cape Town and its partners to implement long-promised non-lethal mitigation measures.

“We marched not just for baboons, but for the values of justice, coexistence, and ethical governance. The City and its partners have failed to implement basic mitigation measures, yet they’re prepared to kill entire troops,” he said.

The activists are also calling on the City to implement proper waste management, baboon-proof fencing, enforcement of by-laws, and prosecution of known offenders who attract or harm baboons.

“If these demands are not met, we will continue to apply pressure through legal channels, public mobilisation, and media engagement. This is about more than just baboons — it’s about ethical, evidence-based governance and respect for the wildlife who belong to this land as much as we do,” he said.

Last month, the City confirmed that the planned removal of the baboon troops will be carried out by the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT), which includes the City, Cape Nature, Table Mountain National Park and the South African National (SAN) Parks.

Some of the baboon troops roam around Constantia Nek, Kirstenbosch, Murdoch Valley, Welcome Glen and Glencairn.

CPBMJTT previously said that their intention was to: “ensure the Cape Peninsula has a baboon population that is well-managed, healthy and free ranging in the natural areas” and remove five splinter troops.

The troops could be removed in the following methods: translocation for rewilding, capture and removal to an existing sanctuary or to a newly established sanctuary, humane euthanasia, or a combination of these options, the City confirmed in June.

People’s Post received a copy of the memorandum of concerns which highlighted the activists’ main demands.

The memorandum states the activists’ concerns stem from a media statement issued by the JTT in May declaring their intention to remove five baboons troops from the Cape Peninsula.

“We call upon the JTT to implement: area specific strategic baboon proof electric fences and investigate and prosecute repeat offenders who are suspected of shooting baboons with air rifles,” the memorandum reads.

Fellow activist and spokesperson at the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation Lynda Silk, who joined the march, said was a strong turnout in Simon’s Town.

“The march was a clear sign that people care deeply about the future of the Cape Peninsula’s baboons. Right now, decisions are being made that could result in the killing of a quarter of Cape Town’s managed baboon population. Instead of removals, the new working partnership could be investing in buffer zones and ecological corridors that facilitate wildlife and people to coexist.

“These baboons are not alien intruders but residents of a rapidly shrinking wild world who were here long before our cityscape,” she said.

The memorandum demands a formal response to their concerns within ten days and prior to a final decision to remove the five troops.

The CPBMJTT told People’s Post that they received the organisers’ memorandum on Saturday 19 July but said that they had no further comment at this stage.

SAN Parks could not provide a response before going to print.

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Ensuring safer learning environments across the country is the key objective of the Safe Schools Protocol (SSP), a joint framework between the South African Police Service (Saps) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

SSP was launched by ministers Senzo Mchunu and Siviwe Gwarube in Cape Town this week. It aims to tackle the “alarming rates” of violence, crime and insecurity in schools.

According to the 2023/2024 crime statistics, 28 murders were reported within basic education institutions, with nearly half occurring in KwaZulu-Natal, with 46% involving learner-on-learner violence.

Additionally, two-thirds of reported rapes in schools involved learner-on-learner violence and over 11 000 burglaries were recorded. 

An accompanying work plan has been developed, outlining practical, measurable and time-sensitive actions.

These include joint school safety audits, the revision of standard operating procedures, and measures to ensure compliance with legislation regulating liquor outlets near schools.

Gwarube says the SSP encourages shared responsibility, integrating various stakeholders into the safety ecosystem. “This is not just a piece of paper but an instrument to ensure the safety of learners and teachers in schools.”

According to Gwarube, 283 schools have been identified in hotspot areas.

Gen Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner, says the objective of the SSP is to ensure improved learning environments for children.

He says children’s safety is a collective responsibility. He appeals to parents not to transfer this to the police.

“We will ensure that a police officer is dedicated to each school across the country.”

According to Mchunu, Western Cape is one of four provinces with the highest crime rate.

He says between Thursday 22 May and Wednesday 11 June this year four learners were killed in separate incidents in Samora Machel.

“As the police, we are committed to playing our part in reversing these trends. As part of our strategy, we are increasing visibility throughout the country. We have identified a number of enablers, which will be implemented to fight and deter crime before it happens.”

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This year’s online Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship will be open to schools nationwide, ensuring broader accessibility for learners across the country.

Following the success of the inaugural 2024 tournament, Alexforbes is expanding the online competition to include high schools from all nine provinces in South Africa.

The 2025 edition aims to reach an even wider audience, promoting inclusivity and fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through the world’s most accessible sport.

Commencing on Saturday, 10 May, the team-based championship will see schools competing within their respective provincial pools.

The top teams from each pool will advance to the final stage, with play-off matches on 26 July and 9 August, for the national championship title.

Fast facts

• teams play online from their school or chosen venue;
• 10 minutes per side per game;
• 288 teams across all nine provinces will compete against each other. Team results are based on individual game results;
• the limit is 32 schools per province – registration is on a first come, first served basis;
• 15 standby place per province is allowed;
• should teams be withdrawn, standby teams replace withdrawn teams on a first come, first serve basis in order of standby registration;
• 7 players per team plus 1 reserve, mandatory to compete; and
• provincial pools are released on battleboards.co.za.

Inter-provincial championship dates

• KwaZulu-Natal: 10 and 11 May;
• Limpopo: 10 and 11 May;
• Mpumalanga: 24 and 25 May;
• North West: 10 and 11 May;
• Gauteng: 24 and 25 May;
• Western Cape: 24 and 25 May;
• Northern Cape: 31 May and 1 June;
• Eastern Cape: 31 May and 1 June; and
• Free State: 31 May and 1 June

National pool matches take place on 26 July, with the play-offs and finals on 9 August.

The first 32 schools per province are registered through the website. Team rankings are based on player ratings, which is automatically calculated. If a player is not rated, they are allocated novice status.

Teams are allocated to pools automatically by the registration system, but based on an even-strength basis as far as possible.

Once all registrations have been processed, the pools will be revealed.

Schools encouraged to register

“We are excited to extend the reach of the Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship to all nine provinces, giving more learners the opportunity to develop critical problem-solving skills and compete on a national stage.

Previously, Dr Jabulani Mokoena, president of the Moja Chess Club, describes chess as an ultimate game of strategy and skill, and says chess is important for mental agility. This club presents the Moja Chess Extravaganza annually in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

“Children who play chess do well in school, especially in Maths and Science. Chess also helps with concentration and deep thinking,” he says, adding that chess should actually be part of the school curriculum. He says some of the players can concentrate on the game for three to five mental hours on end; which makes it a very disciplined sport.

Schools and their chess enthusiasts are encouraged to register via BattleBoards.co.za, where they can find more information on the online chess championship’s structure and key dates.

An automated email will confirm registration, with a reminder to register seven players and one reserve by 5 May.

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A gap year can be more than a chance to blow off steam and have fun. It can be life-affirming, offering opportunities for personal growth, cultural exposure, and professional development.

Cost is the first hurdle for many young South Africans planning to spend time overseas. Flights and the relative weakness of the rand against most major currencies make travel to popular gap-year destinations such as Europe, the UK, the USA, and Australia expensive.

According to Gavyn Letley, from specialist loans provider DirectAxis, turning the dream of an overseas adventure into reality starts with setting a budget.

“This may seem a mundane way to start the trip of a lifetime, but it will be worth every moment. It will reduce the stress of constantly worrying about money, and potentially cutting the trip short, allowing you to gain more from the experience.”

While it’s difficult to budget for the unknown, he suggests starting by listing expected expenses. These include:

• Airfares;
• Visa costs;
• Travel insurance. A medical emergency, flight or other cancellations or theft could ruin your trip. Ensure you’re adequately covered;
• Transport when you arrive;
• Accommodation;
• Meals and;
• A contingency for unexpected costs.

When budgeting, consider the cost of living at your destination as it may be more expensive than in South Africa.

Once you understand the costs you can start considering how to fund the trip. Common strategies are:

• Getting a part- or full-time job
• Working while travelling. A paid internship will offer valuable work experience and some spending money. Alternatively, jobs such as au pairing can provide income and cover accommodation and meal costs.
• Volunteering or participating in educational programmes. While these may not provide an income, they often offer other support such as meals and accommodation.

If this all seems daunting or you’re unsure about the people or organisations where you are applying, there are specialist agencies which can help.

The benefits of working with an agency are:

• It will guide you through visa applications and work permits.
• Its networks of employers make it easier to get seasonal work or jobs in sectors such as hospitality, au pairing and teaching. Reputable agencies vet employers and employment programmes, minimising the risk of job scams or poor working conditions.
• Some agencies will arrange accommodation and offer 24/7 emergency support.
• Many provide cultural orientation and tips to help you integrate seamlessly.

Letley says before choosing an agency or paying any money, check its credentials, ideally with someone who has used it. Also, compare prices, as some charge high placement fees.

Agencies may also only offer jobs in particular, high-demand sectors. Researching job opportunities independently may provide more scope to work in your preferred industry.

Doing the homework beforehand will make your gap year less stressful, and more enjoyable so you’ll get more from it. While you’re away, stay on top of your finances and look for opportunities to stretch your budget. Some include:

• Open a travel-friendly bank account with minimal foreign transaction fees, especially if you plan to travel to multiple countries.
• Use budgeting apps to keep track of expenses and avoid overspending.
• Look for student and other discounts at attractions and on transport. Some attractions cost less if you pay and book ahead of time. If you’re regularly using public transport, a weekly or monthly pass is cheaper than buying a single ticket.

“A gap year can be a worthwhile investment for young people, enabling them to assert their independence, expand their world view, build character, learn new skills or accumulate a breadth of experience that will benefit their careers,” says Letley.

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John Walton Secondary School in Kariega was recently endowed with a study centre and sleeping quarters, where its matric learners can look forward to having two meals a day while they study for the year ahead.

The school received over R45 000 in sponsorship, both monetary and in-kind.

The KallaManie Benefit Foundation was established in memory of the late Manie ‘Kalla’ Daniels, who was a long-serving educator at John Walton. The Foundation, registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), donates all its proceeds to good causes. The late Daniels’ wife, Fredaline, nominated Jamie-Lee Daniels, Clinton Anderson, and Jeffrey du Preez as the Foundation’s founding directors.

The donation came in various forms, from local businesses such as the KallaManie Benefit Foundation donating R30 000, Score under Chill Beverages who donated R5 000, the JWSS Alumni Association donating R15 000, Buco Hardware Store, which donated building materials, as well as Andrew Rabie Secondary School and Ebrahim Wicomb who donated cutlery.

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