Personal tragedy could not stand in Naicker’s rise to the top
Class of 2025 high achievers: Ethan Naicker, right, from Port Shepstone Secondary School, was named as KwaZulu-Natal's top matric achiever at the provincial matric awards ceremony. Ethan was also one of the top 40 achievers in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination. Cayden Packreeappen, of Verulam Secondary was placed third in the province.
Image: CHUMANI MAZWI
BEHIND Ethan Neil Naicker’s accolades including being named KwaZulu-Natal's top matric achiever for Matric Class of 2025 was a deeply personal journey marked by tragedy a month before his finals.
The 18-year-old from Port Shepstone Secondary School balanced grief and academic excellence to become not only that province's best but also one of South Africa's top 40 achievers.
At the provincial awards ceremony at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Tuesday, Ethan was visibly overwhelmed when he was announced as the provinces top performer.
Speaking to the Cape Times’ sister publication the Post, Naicker said his remarkable matric results fulfilled his dream of studying medicine at UCT.
But the journey to this point has not been easy. He had suffered the loss of his cousin in December 2024.
“My matric year started with this profound loss. She was a sister to me …
“It was really challenging going into matric without her. On top of that, there was the usual matric stress and the overwhelming workload.”
Reflecting on his achievements he said: “To be number one is an incredible honour. But if I am being honest, I am in shock. I have not processed any of this as yet.”
He credited his success to a strong support system at home and school.
“I had a lot of support from my family and teachers. They helped me move forward even when I doubted my own capabilities,” he said.
When asked how it felt when he heard his names being called at both the national and provincial awards ceremonies, Ethan said it was a “surreal moment”.
“Everything happened one after the other. I am still in shock and still trying to process it all,” he added.
Naicker paid special tribute to his mother, who was present at the ceremony.
“A huge thank you to my mom for always supporting me and pushing me. She has been my biggest supporter, even when I completely doubted myself.”
Offering advice to the Matric Class of 2026, he emphasised consistency over cramming.
“You will be thrown assignments, tests, exams and projects all at once. Even just an hour of work a day goes a long way. There are days when you would not want to study. You just have to keep going, even when it feels overwhelming,” said Ethan.
Cape Times