CELEBRATING RESILIENCE AND EXCELLENCE: TOP ACHIEVERS OF CLASS OF 2024 HONOURED AT MTN INNOVATION CENTRE

By Precious Mupenzi
- The achievements of the top achievers from the matric Class of 2024 were celebrated at a breakfast in Johannesburg on 13 January 2025, ahead of the national results announcement.
- The Class of 2024 had many challenges to face through their high school years, including the impact of Covid-19 and the adaptation to new ways of learning including digital platforms.
- Praising the learners for their perseverance, the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube said: “The Class of 2024 is a true testament to the power of resilience, and they have shown us all what is possible when we never give up.”
A sense of jubilation filled the MTN Innovation Centre as educators, parents, and dignitaries gathered to honour the 39 top achievers of the Class of 2024 in a special congratulatory breakfast, held just ahead of the official release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examination results.
The breakfast, hosted by the Department of Basic Education in partnership with MTN and other stakeholders, aimed to honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these learners.
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, was accompanied by the deputy minister, Dr Reginah Mahule and MTN’s Chief Risk Officer, Bradley Swanepoel.
The atmosphere was electric, with ululations, whistles, and the beaming faces of both learners and parents.
The gathering showcased the resilience and dedication of a class that has weathered numerous challenges, including a pandemic. When the Class of 2024 began their high school journey in Grade 8, they could not imagine the disruption caused by Covid-19, which changed the world and forced a dramatic shift in how education was delivered.
Learners and teachers had to adapt rapidly to new digital tools and platforms, an experience that shaped this unique cohort.
Alongside the educational upheaval, the country also navigated national elections and marked the 30th anniversary of its democracy in 2024. For many in the Class of 2024, this milestone was especially significant as some of them were first-time voters, having turned 18 before 19 May 2024.
Their participation in this historic election further underscored their role as a symbol of South Africa’s democratic progress, with the class not only representing the future of education but also actively shaping the nation’s political landscape.
“This is a class that pushed through despite immense challenges. Today, we are celebrating excellence, perseverance, and dedication. The Class of 2024 is a true testament to the power of resilience, and they have shown us all what is possible when we never give up,” Minister Gwarube said, praising the learners for their perseverance.
She also took a moment to acknowledge the vital role of parents, guardians, and educators, describing teachers as the “backbones” of the education system. “Education is not only about what happens in the classroom; it is a partnership between home and school,” she said.
The minister highlighted the symbolism of the class, comparing them to the Protea flower, a symbol of renewal. “Like the Protea, this class has emerged stronger from adversity,” she added.
“Sixty percent of South Africa’s population is made up of young people, and this gives us hope for the future. While many countries face the challenges of aging populations, South Africa’s youth is vibrant, and you are the driving force of that hope.”
The minister also congratulated all 882 336 registered learners who completed their exams in 2024, of which 79% were beneficiaries of social grants.
“This is a monumental achievement for all of you. We celebrate not just the top achievers but the success of an entire cohort, many of whom have overcome significant socio-economic challenges,” she noted.
Minister Gwarube encouraged the learners to continue pursuing excellence, noting that today was only the beginning of their extraordinary journeys. “Keep pushing forward, keep chasing your dreams. This is just the start of what you can achieve,” she urged.
The South African government has also played a significant role in supporting learners on their educational journey.
Through investments in social grants, the Department of Social Development, alongside the South African Social Security Agency, has spent a substantial R59.9-billion in support of social grant beneficiaries. These funds have made a meaningful impact in keeping children in school, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Among the attendees was Philisiwe Mlambo, a proud mother from Ndumo in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Her son, Gift Mlambo, was named one of the country’s top 39 achievers, and the pride she felt was evident as she struggled to process the moment.
“I can’t believe it,” she said, tears of joy streaming down her face. “This is a huge achievement for my son, and for our small town, Ndumo. ‘Nawe Ndumo awumncinyane’ – you are not small, Ndumo. This is proof that we can achieve greatness, no matter where we come from.”
Mlambo shared her journey of raising Gift without his father, emphasising the role her own father played in stepping in as a father figure for her son. “It’s been a long journey, and I’m so proud of him. He worked hard, and today, he’s reaping the rewards,” she said.
The 39 learners will be officially introduced to the country during the 2024 ministerial announcement of the National Senior Certificate examination results, which will take place at the Mosaik Church in Randburg, Johannesburg later on today.
This celebration of academic achievement not only honours individual success but highlights the resilience of a generation that has faced unprecedented challenges and emerged victorious.