Top matric in SA at only 16

At just sixteen years of age, Talenta has been named as one of the top achieving matriculates of 2017.


Mpumalanga-based Acorns to Oaks High School of Excellence student Talenta Ngobeni went the extra mile in order to achieve his incredible results, studying a year before he was in grade 12 for subjects that he would write in matric.

“I would wake up in the early morning at around 02:00 and study, I chose a strategy that works for me, and other students should choose a strategy that works for them,” said Talenta.

Talenta was invited as one of just 20 students throughout the country to attend the Ministerial Announcement of the 2017 Matric Results, held in Sandton on Thursday, January 4. He achieved 8 distinctions.

READ MORE: IEB matric results up overall

Ngobeni told the Letaba Herald, “I feel so grateful, because a lot of people wanted to be there and I was the one chosen.”

Speaking to his mother, she said, “I cannot explain the feeling I have it is too overwhelming.”

A brand new Toyota I-Go from the Mpumalanga Department of Education was handed over to Talenta as part of his reward, as well as printers, a cell phone, a tablet, a full study bursary and R10 000 from Standard Bank

A brand new Toyota I-Go from the Mpumalanga Department of Education was handed over to Talenta as part of his reward, as well as printers, a cell phone, a tablet, a full study bursary and R10 000 from Standard Bank

She continued by saying that here family is very proud of their child’s achievements.

“We thank the Lord, and we take pride in Talenta’s achievement”, she stated.

Acorns to Oaks Principal Ranabubuda Raveti, also commended the star student:

“I am very happy with his achievement because he has put us on the map, he was very committed and going the extra mile.”

He also said that teachers should keep doing the work they do because one day they too will produce top achievers like Talenta.

“To the grade 12 learners of 2018, work hard and commit yourself because you can also be a top achiever.” Raveti said.

The hardworking learner plans on furthering his studies at the University of Cape Town or Stellenbosch for a degree in B.Com Actuarial Science, with hopes of helping insurance companies and his ultimate dream is to work overseas in the United Kingdom.

IEB matric results up overall

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