Bright Khodani Makhadi, who obtained seven distinctions in the 2014 Grade 12 examinations, also won the inaugural TT Mulungwe Award for excellence.
He is the first pupil of Kolokoshani Secondary School in Vuwani who obtained seven distinctions.
The TT Mulungwa Award is named after a former principal of the school and seeks to encourage learners to compete for quality results at the school. Makhadi is now registered at the school of medicine at Wits.
During an event at the school last Thursday, the six best pupils received prizes for their achievements. Makhadi used the opportunity to motivate the pupils and said they should not hate their teachers for punishing them for not doing their school work.
"Success does not come easy. I used to hate punishment, but today I can see that my teachers wanted me to succeed. I am an achiever today and you, too, could do that if you dedicate your time to your studies and be focused on your work.
The principal of Kolokoshani, Mr Aaron Manenzhe, said Makhadi had done the school very proud.