High-achieving KZN matriculants reveal the secrets behind their NSC triumph
Newly matriculated pupils buzzed with both excitement and nervousness at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex (ICC) on Tuesday, where the National Senior Certificate results were released.
These high achievers, who were in Grade 8 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, overcame numerous obstacles and allowed KwaZulu-Natal to overtake all other provinces in South Africa with a 90.6% pass rate.
18-year-old Diya Hargoon from Star College Durban achieved an impressive 11 distinctions.
She emphasised that this was not achieved at the expense of her personal well-being. “I did not overwork or put pressure on myself because that leads to burnout,” she said.
The hardworking pupil passed on some sage advice to the class of 2026.
“My advice would be, ‘don’t stress’. I took it as another year, and you should do the same. Don’t let the pressure get to you. I implemented something that I call the 10pm rule.”
“If you don’t know something past 10pm, don’t stay up late to study, just go to bed,” she said. “Stay consistent, disciplined and true to yourself.”
@iolnews 18-year-old Diya Hargoon from Star College Durban scored 11 distinctions and her secret she says, is not stressing and just doing her best. https://iol.co.za/ 📷: Xolile Mtembu / IOL #matric #student #NSC #distinctions ♬ original sound – IOL NEWS
Hargoon thanked her family and educators for the support and confidence they bestowed upon her.
Ruby Beukes, a Ferum High School student, was hardly able to contain her excitement after she bagged eight distinctions.
“What happened this year was consistency, discipline and making sure that I would study the night before, cramming,” she said. “It helped a lot.”
She also had a support system within her parents, friends and school.
@iolnews Ruby Beukes credits consistency and discipline in helping her achieve 8 distinctions. https://iol.co.za/ 📷: Xolile Mtembu / IOL #matric #student #NSC #distinctions ♬ original sound – IOL NEWS
“To be here today is an immense privilege. This year I am going to be studying chartered accounting at the North-West University.”
She cautioned against pupils overworking themselves and encouraged them to remember to have fun, as “You only live once”.
IOL News