Alfred Duma Municipality celebrates academic excellence at the 2026 Matric Awards

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality hosted a vibrant and inspiring 2026 Annual Matric Excellence Awards Ceremony this past weekend, spotlighting the academic success of the Class of 2025.

The event, held under the auspices of His Worship the Mayor, Zama Sibisi, welcomed a diverse crowd, including learners, parents, educators, community leaders, and government representatives, all united in their commitment to celebrating academic achievement and promoting youth development.

The ceremony served not only as a platform to honour top-performing learners but also as a springboard for future success.

Registration fee vouchers were handed over to these exemplary students, easing their transition into tertiary education institutions.

Mayor Sibisi addressed the audience with a powerful message about the myriad pathways to success, encouraging learners to view Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as legitimate and valuable alternatives to traditional university education.

“Choosing a career based on peer pressure can lead to dissatisfaction; it is crucial to pursue what aligns with your passions and strengths,” he cautioned.

Highlighting critical sectors for growth, he underscored the importance of careers in agriculture and engineering, noting their significance for the region’s and, indeed, the country's economic development and environmental sustainability.

The Mayor expressed concern for high-achieving matriculants who often struggle in their first year at tertiary institutions, attributing such challenges to a loss of focus rather than a lack of ability during the crucial transition period from high school to university life.

A landmark achievement celebrated was the uThukela District's impressive improvement in its matric pass rate, which surged from 70% to 80%.

This milestone signaled meaningful progress within the region's education system, garnering applause from various stakeholders.

Among those celebrated was Zenada Nthuli, a 17-year-old from Emizimela High School, who stood out as the overall top achiever.

Clearly elated, Nthuli shared her aspirations of studying Law at the University of Johannesburg, a dream she described as a proud moment for her family and community, and a motivation to strive for further excellence.

The event featured Honourable N. Hadebe, MP, as the guest speaker, who captivated attendees with an uplifting message aimed particularly at learners from rural backgrounds.

He encouraged them to believe in their potential, reinforcing that ambition should not be constrained by one's circumstances. Drawing from his own experiences, Hadebe illustrated how determination and commitment can lead to remarkable achievements regardless of the challenges faced.

In closing, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality reaffirmed its dedication to investing in education and youth empowerment, urging learners, families, and community members to collaborate in ensuring that academic achievements translate into meaningful and sustainable futures for the youth across the municipality.