In the 2025 National Senior Certificate results, the Vhembe region demonstrated strong academic performance, with both Vhembe West and Vhembe East achieving pass rates above 80%. Vhembe West secured fourth place provincially with a pass rate of 86.9%, while Vhembe East followed in sixth position at 85.9%.
The region’s schools achieved top rankings across several categories.
Top-performing schools in Vhembe
In the category of Public Ordinary Schools, Thengwe Secondary (Vhembe East, Tshilamba Circuit) was ranked first in the province with 248 bachelor passes. Dzata Secondary (Vhembe West, Nzhelele East Circuit) took second place with 219 bachelor passes.
In special schools, Rivoni School for the Blind (Vhembe West, Elim Circuit) achieved a 100% pass rate, with 15 of its 16 candidates obtaining bachelor passes. Among independent schools, New Era College (Vhembe East, Malamulele Central Circuit) was recognised as the top-performing independent school, producing 231 bachelor passes from 371 candidates.
In subject-specific achievements, Vhembe East dominated the Life Sciences Club 100 category, with Thengwe Secondary (1st), Mbilwi Secondary (2nd), and Tshivhase Secondary (3rd) sweeping the awards. Thengwe Secondary also ranked first for the Mathematics Club 100 and was the only school to qualify for the Club 100 Mathematics and Physical Sciences award.
Top-performing learners
Among top learners, Maduvha Steven Munyai from Thohoyandou Secondary (Vhembe East) was named the top candidate in the province for Public Ordinary Schools, achieving 1,698 total marks. He also obtained the highest mark in Life Sciences (298) and placed third nationally in Quintile 4.
In independent schools, Arinze Anthony Nwafor and Udivhazwothe Jehoshaphat Mulaudzi, both from Tshikevha Christian School (Vhembe East), secured first and second positions respectively among top candidates.
Perfect scores
Mutshidzi Audrey Ramovha (Khwevha Commercial, Vhembe East) achieved a perfect score of 300/300 in Accounting. In Business Studies, Matamela Pearl Ndou (Lwamondo High, Vhembe West), Ndivho Blessing Radzilani (Makhado Comprehensive, Vhembe West), Gundo Ndiene Makhuvha (Thengwe Secondary, Vhembe East) and Phophi Mawelewele (Liivha Combined, Vhembe East) all achieved perfect scores.
Other top subject marks included Ndamulelo Joy Machaba (Jonathan Thifhulufhelwi, Vhembe West) with 295 in Mathematics, and Phindulo Lennox Mobale (Waterval High, Vhembe West) with 288 in Mathematical Literacy. Among learners with special needs, Tebatso Isaac Mokonyane from Rivoni School for the Blind (Vhembe West) placed second in the province and third nationally.
Top teachers in Vhembe
Several educators were recognised for producing high numbers of top-achieving students (70% and above). At Thengwe Secondary, Life Sciences teachers NK Munyai, TS Mutshaeni, M Kwinda and T Netshitandani, as well as Physical Sciences teachers A Kurien, S Munjoma, S Phillip and M Tshikumbana, were honoured. At Mbilwi Secondary, teachers Pfarelo Tshivhalavhala and Reneth Rachilomela were recognised for excellence in Geography.