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By Johnathan Paoli
For 2024, two matriculants have been honoured with the National Top Learner Awards by the Basic Education Department. While it has not always been plain sailing for Owethu Shangase and Ryyan Ebrahim, the two attribute their success to the support systems around them and their ability to dream big.
Shangase, 17, is from the John Wesley Kosi Bay Private School in Umhlabuyalingana in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and Ebrahim, 19, is from Pinelands High School in Cape Town
Shangase achieved a total of eight distinctions in the 2024, while Ebrahim passed with nine distinctions.
Shangase is described by the department as a spectacularly driven young man who is the product of “when consistency meets inspiration”.
His academic career boasts an impressive first place from Grade 3 to Grade 12, and comprises a full house of distinctions achieved for the entire FET phase (grades 10-12). He skipped two grades due to his aptitude for academics, especially Mathematics.
Speaking to Inside Education, Shangase expressed his immense gratitude and disbelief at his achievement.
“Being the top performer in the country has left me overwhelmed and humbled. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this,” he said.
Shangase revealed that procrastination and inconsistency were among his biggest challenges for Grade 12.
“I planned a lot, but struggled to follow through. This affected my confidence, making me doubt my ability to succeed,” he admitted.
Despite these hurdles, his determination and support from his family, who ensured that he had the necessary resources, helped him persevere.
Among his proudest moments was becoming the valedictorian at his school, achieving first place in every subject with a remarkable 96% average.
And securing second place in a provincial Inter-District Olympiad reinforced his belief in the value of hard work.
Looking ahead, Shangase plans to study Actuarial Sciences at the University of Cape Town, aspiring to become a fellow member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and possibly a chief risk officer in the future.
He envisions a South Africa where funding and educational resources reach the most disadvantaged communities.
His advice to future matriculants is to set goals and persevere.
“Have clear goals, work diligently and help others along the way. Collaborating and supporting peers only brightens the path for everyone,” Shangase said.
He also emphasises the importance of prayer and maintaining humility throughout the journey.
For Ebrahim, who was the head boy at Pinelands, the recognition is “unbelievable and overwhelming”.
“I’m so grateful to have been honoured in this way, and it’s all by the grace of God,” he told Inside Education.
Described by the department as an exceptional, resilient young man, in his Grade 10 exams he faced significant challenges when his home underwent renovations. Undeterred, he devised a plan to wake up early and study in quieter places like the school library.
Ebrahim, who had an aggregate of 97.57%, acknowledges that his matric year was not without its challenges, saying just like other students, there were moments when he was overwhelmed.
“I decided to step back, remind myself that my best was good enough, and leaned on the support of my family and friends,” he shared.
His ability to manage stress and maintain focus helped him navigate the intense academic year.
Ebrahim plans to study Data Science, which he describes as a fusion of maths, computer science and business, also at UCT.
“It’s an area I’m passionate about and one that aligns with South Africa’s growing need for innovation,” he explained.
The stories of Shangase and Ebrahim serve as a beacon of hope for future matriculants, demonstrating that with vision, effort and resilience, greatness is achievable.
The department celebrated the achievements of these exceptional matriculants and 37 others at a ceremony in Johannesburg, recognising the transformative impact of their hard work.
As they embark on their academic and professional journeys, Shangase and Ebrahim stand as shining examples of South Africa’s potential and the power of education to shape the future.
INSIDE EDUCATION