MANZINI – Civil engineering, mining and chemical engineering are currently topping the wish list for 15-year-old Mazwe Chitima, who secured top spot in the 2025 Junior Certificate (JC) results.
The Manzini Nazarene High School pupil attributed his academic prowess to a blend of family intellect and unwavering faith. “Maybe I inherited the brains from my mother’s side of the family,” Mazwe mused, highlighting a lineage steeped in science and academia.
He said his family tree boasts an uncle in engineering, a mother and aunt with Bachelor of Arts Degrees, an elder who pursued law, while his late aunt dedicated her life to nursing.
He said his study philosophy is open-ended as he had never really set a limit. He said he used to read the content and notes, and then answer the objectives on the syllabus.
Beyond being hard-working, he said he put immense value on his spiritual life. He said praying and having faith in God was the first thing on his bullet points to achieving such results.
He extended his gratitude to his mother, family and teacher Malambe, who he credits with igniting his ambition for this achievement.
On another note, in a world increasingly tethered to technology, he said his upbringing took a different turn as his mother never bought him a cellphone when he passed Grade VII with a Merit, saying it was a major distraction. “This early discipline, perhaps, played a role in my focused approach to academics,” he said.
*…
AI my passion – Hillside High whiz kid
MANZINI – One of the second-best pupils in the 2025 Junior Certificate (JC) results, Ngibo Masimula (15), says he is passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and wants to study it after high school.
Ngibo of Makholweni, Fairview, under Manzini North Inkhundla, is one of the pupils who achieved an impressive 96 per cent aggregate in the 2025 JC results, putting him among the top scholars (position two) in the country. He did his JC level at Hillside High School.
He attributed his success to a strong foundation and personal drive. He said he comes from a supportive family, as his mother and younger sister have always emphasised the value of education, discipline and hard work.
He said even though not everyone in his family had the same opportunities, they consistently encouraged him to excel in school and believe in his capabilities.
He said his academic achievement is a testament to consistent effort and self-discipline. He said he studied regularly, especially closer to exams, prioritising understanding over memorisation. “I also sought help from teachers and friends when needed. My faith in the Lord, prayer and the belief that hard work would pay off were also crucial,” he said and emphasised that he credits God, his family, his teachers and his own determination for success.
Again, Ngibo acknowledged the challenge of social media. He said he managed it effectively. He stated that social media was sometimes a distraction, but he limited his online time during the school terms and focused more intensely during exams.
Ex-Ncabaneni head brings ‘magic touch’ to Ngwane Park
MANZINI – Ngwane Park High School Head teacher Dalton Kunene’s ‘magic touch’ managed to yield excellent results in just a year.
The head teacher, whose leadership put Ncabaneni High School in position nine nationally in the 2023 Eswatini General Certificate of Secondary Education (EGCSE) results, was appointed as the head teacher of Ngwane Park High School in January 2025 and the school produced three top pupils in the 2025 Junior Certificate (JC) results, one in position one and two in second position nationally.
When asked what they did to produce these results, Kunene said they sensitised the pupils about the significance of education and how it (education) can change their life forever. After that, he said they triggered the love for excellence in the pupils’ heart and instilled belief that they have what it takes to become the best performers in the country.
“Outstanding academic excellence has been their goal as time and again, they chant; ‘Shine Ngwane Park (High School) shine!’” Kunene said.
*Full article available in our publication
Leave a comment