Top matriculants from around South Africa, who chose UWC, were recognised at an event held on campus by the Student Enrolment Management Unit. Image/Jeffery Abrahams

The sun shone brightly over the University of the Western Cape (UWC) as some of South Africa’s brightest matric achievers stepped onto campus, ready to embark on the next chapter of their academic journeys. The Student Enrolment Management Unit (SEMU) Top 21 Achievers Event  — held at the end of February  —  celebrated not just impressive marks but their determination and resilience, which are key to a future at a university that promises both academic excellence and a sense of belonging. 

The event brought together top-performing students, their families, principals from the schools they matriculated and those who supported them along the way. For many, it was a proud moment, a chance to reflect on the hard work that led to outstanding matric results and the decision to pursue higher education at UWC.

Director of SEMU: Dr Lawrence Corner, at the awards ceremony where the top 21 first-year students, as well as the high school principals or teachers from the schools they attended last year, received recognition for their achievements. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

In his welcome address, SEMU Director Dr Laurence Corner shared that he is spoiled for choice when he is asked what makes UWC unique. Often he lists “our academically rated academics, our excellent professional and administrative staff, and the fact that we are one of the few universities that has its own nature reserve on campus”.

Dr Corner also spoke about the broader environment that shapes the student experience. UWC has been recognised as one of the safest university campuses in South Africa for two consecutive years and the greenest campus in Africa for three years running.

“But above all,” he added, “there is one thing that stands out for me. As you step onto this campus, you feel that you have found your home. As you start to work and study here, you realise that you are part of a family.”

Takunda Praise Muchuweni (18) was a top-performing learner of the matric class of 2025. She has been accepted to study law at UWC after losing hope that any university would accept her. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Among the students recognised at the event was Takunda Praise Muchuweni (18), whose matric achievements placed her among the country’s top-performing learners. Muchuweni achieved seven distinctions, averaging about 89,34%, and was named the top 2025 National Senior Certificate candidate for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN). She also achieved 100% for Business Studies in the Western Cape. 

Now a first-year Law student at UWC,  Muchuweni says the path to studying law was not always certain. “I’ve always loved law and always wanted to study law,” she explained. “But because of the outcomes at other institutions, I had actually given up on it and started considering studying industrial psychology and psychology instead,” said Muchuweni. 

When her matric results were released, her LLB applications at other institutions were unsuccessful; however, UWC offered her the opportunity to pursue the dream she thought she had lost.

Takunda Praise Muchuweni (18) is a first-year Law student at UWC. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

“UWC was sort of my last hope,” she said. “I’ve always envisioned studying law at UWC because I believe UWC has the best law faculty in the country and in the province. So I’m really happy to be here.”

Born with Muscular Dystrophy (Congenital Myopathy), Muchuweni uses an electric wheelchair. While the transition to university life has been exciting, she says, adapting to a large campus environment has its challenges.

“Coming to university is exciting and fun, but navigating such a large campus can be quite tiring. It’s part of the process and part of adapting.” Addressing the students and their families, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Robert Balfour congratulated the top applicants and reflected on the importance of belonging in a university community. Earlier in the day, the university had raised the LGBTIQ+ pride flag on campus, an occasion Prof Balfour described as personally meaningful and symbolic of the institution’s commitment to inclusion.

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Robert Balfour at SEMU Top Achievers Event. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

“It is very important that young people and even older people see and experience a belonging and inclusive environment,” said Prof Balfour. “It makes a huge difference to realising your full potential.”

He noted that institutions where people can show up as their authentic selves tend to be healthier and more productive environments for learning and working. “What we are here to celebrate today is your talent,” he told the group of high-achieving students.

For UWC, the Top Achievers Event serves as both recognition and encouragement, celebrating the achievements of outstanding matric learners while welcoming them into a community that values excellence, diversity and opportunity.

For students like Muchuweni and her fellow top applicants, the day marked more than just a celebration of past achievements. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, where their talent and determination will shape the future both at UWC and beyond.

@uwconline Seven distinctions. Around a 90% matric average. South Africa’s top learner for Special Educational Needs nationally and provincially, with 100% for Business Studies in the province. Now 18, Takunda Praise Muchuweni is studying Law at the University of the Western Cape. “I’ve always said I want to study law at UWC because I believe UWC has the best law faculty in the country and in the province.” #IAmUWC ? So Much Happiness - Lux-Inspira