Lindokuhle Nyaba worked consistently and with discipline and commitment – which paid off resulting in him walking away with 7As in the Matric Final examinations. He says his biggest motivation was fighting for a better future for myself and for his mother. “I focused on understanding the work instead of cramming, practised regularly, asked for help when needed,” Lindokuhle says. “I stayed disciplined even when things became challenging.”
He advised this year’s Matrics to start early and take full responsibility for their learning. “Avoid last-minute studying, practice past papers consistently, manage your time well, and use your teachers as resources,” he said. “Consistency matters more than pressure at the end!”
For the younger grades, Lindokuhle feels it is important to build good study habits early, “They stay with you all the way to Matric. Studying the night before might work in lower grades, but it can seriously damage your effort and marks in Grade 11 and Matric, where the workload is much heavier,” he advises. “Planning ahead, studying consistently, and managing time properly makes higher grades far more manageable!”
Hillcrest High School High-Flyers - Ethan Ainhirn – 7As (plus A for AP Maths)
Ethan Ainhirn is another Top Achiever from Hillcrest High School who set off for the University of Pretoria with an excellent set of results achieved in the National Senior Certificate examinations. Ethan achieved As for all his subjects, including Further Studies in Mathematics, an IEB Module offered by the school as an additional subject. Ethan will be studying Mechanical Engineering at Tuks, as UP is known.
We asked Ethan how he achieved these outstanding results? He said, “By ensuring that I never fell behind in my work or understanding of the content. This was an important part in keeping my year stress free. Any time I had an issue I made sure not to procrastinate on finding a working solution which, in many cases, simply meant consulting a trusted teacher during or even after a lesson.”
In collaboration with Oxford Freshmarket’s Art 4 Education initiative, Hillcrest High School proudly unveiled a striking new addition to the school’s campus, a vibrant 19-metre mural at the netball courts. The initiative brought together creativity, community, and collaboration in a meaningful way.
The mural was conceptualised and designed by Hillcrest High School matric learner Ariel Naicker, winner of the Art 4 Education competition. With the guidance of renowned local graffiti artist Giffy Duminy, Ariel’s design has now quite literally left a legacy on the school’s walls. “It means a lot to me that my design is being painted on the wall for the next generation of HHS learners to see and enjoy,” said Ariel Naicker. “I am so grateful for the opportunity that Oxford has given me, to leave my mark, to work with Giffy, and to help my family with the contribution towards my school fees, which has freed up funds for other expenses.”
The official unveiling was marked by celebration and excitement, with learners, teachers and staff members gathering to witness the completed mural in its entirety. Oxford pulled out all the stops to turn the event into a memorable one, spoiling the learners with treats and vibes from DJ, Lloyd Paul. The school community applauded the collaboration between Oxford Freshmarket, Ariel Naicker and Giffy, highlighting the power of art to unite and inspire.
A well-deserved shout of CONGRATULATIONS goes Micaella Hunter, whose NSC results placed her in second position at Hillcrest High School. No small feat with the competition faced in the Class of 2025.
Matrics Take Note!
Micaella shared a few of her tips that helped her achieve, not only in the NSC exams, but throughout high school. “I made sure my notes were constantly up to date, that I paid attention in class, and that I always did the homework and work assigned. I didn't spend hours studying and working and I made sure I still enjoyed the year and had fun with friends.”
Her advice to the Matric Class of 2026 is to, “Enjoy the year because it's over before you know it! If you listen in class and acknowledge the work that you have to complete, finding a way to handle the workload, then by the time exams come you won’t be super stressed and cramming all-nighters to catch up with your studies.”
Top Achiever for 2025, Hannah King, shares some of her secrets for success!
We asked Hannah King, our Hillcrest High School Top Achiever, a few questions about how she took her Dreams, Believed in them and Achieved them! Hannah achieved an impressive aggregate of 91.6% and took 8 subjects to Matric. She achieved 7As narrowly missing an 8th for Mathematics by one percentage point!
Her incredible set of results included a whopping 97% for Engineering, Graphics and Design, 95% for Life Orientation and 94% for Consumer Studies as well as As for English, Afrikaans, Tourism, and Business Studies. Hannah has set out to study towards a Business Management degree at NWU Potchefstroom and plans to do a specialised culinary course after her degree before starting her own business.
Congratulations, Hannah, on your outstanding NSC results. Do you have any advice for this year’s Matrics – the Class of 2026?
“Don’t become complacent about subjects you think you are good at, keep consistent in all your subjects. No matter what anyone says about Matric being too busy, you can still fit in at least 7 hours of sleep every day – especially if you don’t procrastinate! It makes a world of difference - and it is not just about sleep - don’t compromise your health and sanity for your marks. Don’t burn out in Matric - sustain those healthy habits!
What about for the younger grades?
“Don’t take everything so seriously, it will just make you stressed and unhappy. Live, participate in as much as you can, step out of your comfort zone, you will forever remember those moments as precious memories.”
We were exceptionally pleased with the results achieved by our Hillcrest High School Class of 2025 in the National Senior Certificate Matric Final examinations. Four of our learners achieved seven distinctions, three achieved six distinctions, four boasted five distinctions and a further five learners achieved four distinctions. Our pass rate improved as did the number of Bachelors’ passes which is evidence of the dedication of both our learners and our educators who worked hard to achieve these results.”
A total of 219 candidates wrote the Matric Exams last year with 164 receiving a Bachelors’ pass and 219 distinctions, excluding Further Studies in Mathematics, achieved overall.
The Top Achievers for 2025 were Hannah King (91.6%), Micaella Hunter (88%), Ethan Ainhirn (87.5%) and Lindokuhle Nyaba (86.4%).
“Start Small. Think Big. Build Slow.”
Author and Chairman of Schindler Lifts South Africa, Mr Nyimpini Mabundla recently hosted a focus group session with learners from Hillcrest High School. The aim of the session was to delve into aspects of business, share some of his personal journey and to inspire learners to “Take Charge” of their own future.
Hosted by The Hillcrest High School Trust, in partnership with the HHS Honour Society, the session saw learners from the Commerce Department totally absorbed in Mr Mabundla’s story, his growth and success, as well as his insights into his life and industry in South Africa. Then followed the questions – which showed the learners were not only invested in the session but had been inspired and motivated!
Writing to thank the school and learners for their participation, Mr Mabundla said, “We were deeply inspired by the energy, curiosity, and thoughtful contributions from your learners. Their insights have added tremendous value to our work, and we are excited to incorporate many of their perspectives into the final draft of our upcoming book.”
Ethan Ainhirn was awarded the coveted DUX Award, along with eleven other subject awards and trophies at the school’s Senior Speech Night. Ethan has been a consistent high achiever throughout his high school career and took home the subject prizes for Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English, Geography, Life Orientation, and Further Studies in Mathematics on the night.
“We are incredibly proud of Ethan, who also took home the trophies for top marks in both the Chemistry and Physics components of Physical Sciences, the English Creative Writing and Literature awards, and the trophy for excellence in Mathematics and Science combined. He was also re-awarded Honours Cum Laude, surpassing the requirements of an aggregate of 85 percent or more, by achieving 90 percent,” said Hillcrest High School Principal, Mrs Denise Knight. “We wish him, and our Class of 2025, all the best in the National Senior Certificate Examinations. Remember our motto, Grade 12s – ‘If it is to be, it is up to me!”
Hillcrest High School is pleased to announce that Mrs Carol-Lee Edy and Mr Sibongiseni Ndebele, who have served the school as Acting Deputies for the past several years have been officially appointed by the Department of Education as Deputy Principals at the school.
Mrs Edy, who has served in the role of Acting Deputy Principal: Academics for the past three years, has been an educator at Hillcrest High School for the past 38 years. Mr Ndebele, who was appointed as Deputy Principal: Head of Sport and Maintenance steps into the role officially after a year in the role of Acting Deputy and has been on staff at the school for 30 years.
“I am thrilled to be able to announce the official appointment of our new Deputies, both of whom are extremely deserving of this promotion,” said Hillcrest High School Principal, Mrs Denise Knight. “It is a privilege to be supported by two such worthy deputy principals who have both served our school with excellence and dedication throughout their tenure here. As the first female principal, it is also a great honour to have both the first black deputy principal and another female deputy principal on my team. I know we will take HHS even further, together.”
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