KNYSNA NEWS - Academic excellence took centre stage last week as the Knysna Muni-cipality hosted its first-ever Matriculants Achievement Ceremony at Knysna High School, formally recognising the town's top-performing matriculants.
The event brought together learners of Percy Mdala High, Concordia High, Knysna High, Knysna Secondary and the Montessori School.
"This ceremony is dedicated to the class of 2025," said Mayor Thando Matika, who emphasised the importance of acknowledging hard work and perseverance among young people.
Each school's top matric achiever received a cash award of R5 000, while the overall top achiever was awarded an additional R10 000.
The top performer for 2025 was Kate Oosthuizen of Knysna High School, who achieved seven distinctions.
Oosthuizen said she was surprised by the recognition and deeply grateful for the support she received throughout her schooling.
"I had huge support from the teachers and the school and the principal. Everyone at Knysna High is amazing," she said.
She plans to use the prize money to help her parents cover university expenses.
The event was made possible through several partnerships.
Standard Bank assisted by opening bank accounts for the award recipients on site, while Creative Designs Studio contributed trophies, programmes and certificates, and donated binding machines to all participating schools.
Representatives from the Western Cape Education Department, school principals, educators, school governing bodies, parents and community leaders were also in attendance.
Principals were specifically acknowledged by the mayor for their often unseen leadership and accountability, noting that they operate "under immense pressure".
The municipality reaffirmed its commit-ment to investing in young people. "Even in difficult times, it is important that we come together and celebrate our learners," said Matika.
The municipality confirmed that the Matriculants Achievement Ceremony will become an annual event, aimed at uplifting and inspiring future generations of Knysna learners.
The top performing matriculants of 2025 from each school were recognised at the Matriculant Achievement Ceremony.
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