Twins Shine with 16 Distinctions in Matric 2025 at Reddam House Umhlanga

Twins Shine with 16 Distinctions in Matric 2025 at Reddam House Umhlanga

  • Twin siblings from Reddam House Umhlanga achieved exceptional academic success in their matric year
  • Both Rebecca and Daniel demonstrated leadership, kindness and dedication beyond the classroom
  • Their achievements contributed to a record-breaking year for the school, praised by staff and parents alike
  • Briefly News spoke to Rebecca and Daniel Major, who shared more insight into their matric journey

Reddam House Umhlanga is celebrating an extraordinary achievement by twin siblings Rebecca and Daniel Major, whose exceptional matric results and exemplary character have earned them widespread recognition.

Reddam House Umhlanga celebrated an exceptional matric achievement by twin siblings Rebecca and Daniel Major, who collectively achieved 16 distinctions in the 2025 IEB exams.
Reddam House Umhlanga celebrated an exceptional matric achievement by twin siblings Rebecca and Daniel Major, who collectively achieved 16 distinctions in the 2025 IEB exams. Image: Supplied
Source: Original

Having joined the school in Grade 8, the twins consistently impressed teachers and peers alike. This year, their efforts culminated in an outstanding 16 distinctions between them, placing them among the most accomplished students in the school’s history.

Rebecca, named Dux Scholar, achieved eight distinctions, including English (90%), Afrikaans (94%), Mathematics (97%), Art (99%), Physical Sciences (90%), Life Sciences (95%), Life Orientation (89%), and Further Studies Mathematics (89%).

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Daniel matched her excellence with eight distinctions: English (87%), Afrikaans (90%), Mathematics (95%), History (90%), Physical Sciences (90%), Life Sciences (92%), Further Studies Mathematics (95%), and Life Orientation (85%).

Beyond academics, the twins’ humility, kindness, and commitment to others have stood out. Daniel quietly tutored younger students struggling with Mathematics while balancing a demanding sporting schedule, distinguishing himself as a dedicated water polo player. Rebecca, elected Head Girl, has been praised for her warmth, compassion, and leadership in the school’s cultural activities.

Their parents expressed immense pride, highlighting their grounded nature and internal drive in a press release shared with Briefly News, saying:

"Never arrogant, always striving quietly to be their best," they said.

The twins’ achievements are part of a record-breaking year for Reddam House Umhlanga, which achieved a 100% matric pass rate and a 99% Bachelor’s pass rate. College Head Shelley Peringuey said the following:

"Our success comes down to two things: exceptional teachers who give generously of their time, and a school environment where students feel safe, believed in, and encouraged to grow."

Rebecca and Daniel Major embody the College’s philosophy, which is academic excellence paired with leadership, integrity, and service. Their matric results are remarkable, but it is their humility, generosity, and quiet leadership that truly make their story inspiring.

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While speaking to Briefly News, Rebecca said the following to the publication that her biggest source of motivation has been her faith, which she described as the foundation of her life and the reason she strives to do her best "for the glory of Jesus."

She explained that she has always believed in making the most of what she has been given, noting that with opportunities such as a world-class education and leadership roles, she could "never take any of them for granted."

"I really hope that I've been able to convince other students not to take anything for granted, and to take hold of every opportunity that swings their way! I would definitely say that having an attitude of gratitude is the key to a good high school experience."
"School is a phenomenal place to expand on your skills in so many ways, and it's honestly been such a blessing to be a part of Reddam House Umhlanga in terms of the space it gave me to grow. I am extremely excited to be able to study chemical engineering at Stellenbosch in the coming year alongside my twin brother, and to see where the road takes me from there," she added while speaking to Briefly News."

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Twins from Reddam House Umhlanga posed in a picture with their parents after achieving 16 distinctions in Matric 2025.
Twins from Reddam House Umhlanga posed in a picture with their parents after achieving 16 distinctions in Matric 2025. Image: Supplied
Source: Original

Daniel Major said while speaking to Briefly News that his success comes down to "discipline rather than motivation," a value he credits to his family and friends, whom he described as role models who continually push him to do better. He added that being part of a high-achieving circle set expectations he strives to live up to, saying, "I have gotten this far and won’t rest until I become the person I envision."

He also praised Reddam House Umhlanga for helping him flourish in an environment "embedded in excellence," noting that the school allowed him to pursue academics, culture, and sport at a high level, adding that "sometimes motivation just isn’t enough."

Daniel added:

"Being one of only two boys who made it into our grade's top ten and the only boy to have gotten 8 distinctions, I hope that I can be an inspiration for the boys within our younger grades to pursue academics to a similar margin, showing them the value of self-belief and discipline."

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Daniel ended off by saying:

"I have just been given my final acceptance into Stellenbosch University to study Chemical Engineering alongside my twin sister. Ideally, I will one day be able to do a post-graduate in data science, but for now, I am excited by what my immediate future holds. My city and school have gotten me so far, and I truly hope that one day I can return the favour."

More on matric 2025 results by Briefly News

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Johana Mukandila avatar

Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za