Picture: Top achiever, Temogo Matong/Facebook
By AGISANANG SCUFF
21 January 2026- The North West Department of Education salutes Grade 12 learner from Setswakgosing Secondary School in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa, Temogo Matong (18), who is the top learner nationally in the Quintile 2 schools and a top learner in the North West during the matric results. Matong is a middle child amongst the three children in his family.
The elder sister is currently studying Education at a tertiary institution whilst the younger sister is still at school. Matong highlighted that he shared his knowledge with his classmates at school.
“Normally, whenever we were studying with my classmates, I would be the one who became a teacher. The more you repeat something many times, the more you understand it very well. I realized that sharing was caring through other people.
“Today, I stand with great pride knowing that I have assisted many other fellow learners at school. In my matric results, the highest percentage in my subjects is 99% and the lowest is 90%. The results made me to be the top learner in the country within the Quintile 2 category,” he said.
Matong highlighted that his secret was to listen to his teachers’ instructions in class. He further said his advice to learners in schools is to listen to their teachers in class, no matter their ages.
“All you need is to follow their instructions in class because those individuals have been trained to teach learners. Again, learners need to cut off from gallivanting around and not paying attention to their books. They should distance themselves from friends who will distract them from their studies.
“They should formulate study groups in order to help each other on different topics of their studies. I am planning to pursue medical studies at the University of Cape Town,” added Matong.
The Principal of Setswakgosing Secondary School, Olaotse Moreke, indicated that Matong was dedicated to his studies. Moreke said Matong showed signs that he is an exceptional learner from lower grades.
“He was dedicated and committed to his studies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said schools in the rural areas are producing quality results. Motsumi said they are extremely proud that Matong is coming from a school that is based in the rural area.
“Schools in the rural areas are also producing top learners, who are able to compete with urban schools. So, as the department, we provide quality education across the province irrespective of the area in which the school is based.
“We salute all our teachers who continue to work hard in our schools. These schools produce jewels of our country,” she said.
The Guardian 