Two St John’s College pupils will start at Harvard University this August after each earned nine distinctions in South Africa’s 2025 matric exams, underscoring their academic and leadership commitments.
Siza Gule, 18, the school’s head boy from Soweto, averaged 94% and says he plans to study law, politics and theatre.
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— B N S L (@_BNSL) January 12, 2026
Menzi Bongwe, the second prefect, averaged about 91.8% and will study economics, inspired partly by a family connection to US higher education (TimesLive).
In the 5FM studios, Menzi Bongwe who matriculated with 9 distinctions and an average of over 90%, tells us how he got accepted to Harvard
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— Xoli Zondo (BScHONS, MBA, PDM) (@XoliswaZondo) January 13, 2026
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The school reported that the whole class performed strongly, with a 100% tertiary pass and the majority of pupils qualifying for bachelor’s degree study, a result school leaders celebrated as a collective achievement.
Social media amplified the news, with posts applauding the pair and sparking debate about choices between arts and more traditional career paths.
The Class of 2025 has achieved something special. As I begin my journey at St John’s, I want to acknowledge former Executive Headmaster Stuart West, under whose leadership these young men have flourished. I congratulate them and our exceptional teaching staff and I’m grateful to our parents for their partnership. This is the kind of excellence that defines St John’s,’ said Dale Jackson (St John’s College).
One student reaction captured the mood: ‘I feel like someone is going to pinch me,’ which has appeared in coverage of the story.
They credited family, teachers and school programmes for their success and said they hope their paths will show younger learners what is possible with focused support.
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Picture: St Johns / https://www.stjohnscollege.co.za/news/2026/matricresults25
