‘Don’t procrastinate, find balance': George pupil Abigail Kok tops Class of 2025

Trying not to procrastinate and maintaining balance is what worked for National Top Achiever of the Class of 2025, Abigail Kok, from York High School in George, Western Cape.

Kok was named the top candidate of the Class of 2025 and the top candidate in Physical Sciences by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Monday night in Johannesburg.

Gwarube announced the matric results in Randburg, Johannesburg, revealing that the Class of 2025 achieved a record-breaking national pass rate of 88%, up from 87.26% in 2024.

Speaking to IOL News on the sidelines of the announcement, Kok said she was still in disbelief at being named a top achiever among more than 40 high performers.

“It feels completely surreal to stand here today. It’s a bit of a dream come true, and I’ve only got gratitude,” she said, smiling.

She described her journey as “amazing”, crediting a strong support system.

“I’ve had an extremely strong support network. My parents always supported me in everything. My brother reminded me not to take life too seriously and just loved me for who I am. And definitely my school,” she said.

Kok thanked her teachers, principal and hockey coaches for playing a significant role in her life.

“I have the support network around me to thank.”

She said avoiding procrastination was key to her success.

“For me, the big thing was trying not to procrastinate, because honestly, procrastination slips in when you really don’t want it to,” she said.

“Trying not to procrastinate and just trying to maintain a balance.”

Sport, she said, played a major role in maintaining that balance.

“I went running every day during finals, and every weekend my family and I went hiking, which was a massive part of balance for me.”

Kok said it was “an absolute privilege” to stand on the national stage as a top achiever.

“I thank God for it. It’s an absolute privilege to be here today.”

She plans to study at Stellenbosch University and is currently registered for actuarial science, but hopes to switch to data science.

“Actuarial science focuses more on risk. Data science focuses on computers, and while I really enjoy computers, I feel it will allow me to branch into an industry where I can make an impact and improve people’s lives,” she said.

Gwarube said the 88% national pass rate was the highest in South Africa’s history

“The results tell a clear story. The basic education system is becoming more stable. Participation is improving, inclusion is expanding and integrity is holding firm,” she said.

However, she cautioned that long-term success depended on early education.

“Without strong foundations in the early years, inequity will always return later,” Gwarube said.

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) announced an overall pass rate of 98.3% for the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.

KwaZulu-Natal led the provinces with a 90.6% pass rate, followed by the Free State at 89.33%, Gauteng at 89.06%, North West at 88.49%, Western Cape at 88.2%, Northern Cape at 87.79%, Mpumalanga at 86.55%, Limpopo at 86.15% and the Eastern Cape at 84.17%.

The Free State, which had held the top position since 2019, slipped to second place.

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the province delivered its highest-ever matric pass rate and bachelor’s pass rate.

“The matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to 88.2%, the highest our province has achieved since the National Senior Certificate was introduced,” he said.

The bachelor’s pass rate rose from 47.8% to 49.2%, the highest ever for the province and the second highest nationally.

“Our candidates achieved the second-highest distinction rate in the country, with 13,234 candidates earning a total of 31,220 distinctions in 2025,” Maynier said.

He said the Western Cape topped the country in Mathematics, with a pass rate of 73.7%, and achieved the second-highest Physical Science pass rate at 80.6%.

Learners with Special Education Needs recorded a matric pass rate of 91.9%, with a bachelor’s pass rate of 60.4%, the second highest in the country.

“Incredibly, the Class of 2025 achieved this with the highest retention rate in the country at 70%, also the best our province has recorded since 2021,” Maynier said.

He congratulated Kok and Takunda Muchuweni from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, who was named the top LSEN candidate and is living with muscular dystrophy.

“This is an incredible testament to your hard work,” Maynier said.

He also thanked teachers and parents for their support and encouraged the Class of 2026 to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.

“Every hour you spend on your schoolwork is a direct investment in your future,” he said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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