"What an Achiever": SA Student Wins Dux Scholar Award, Earns Praise for Academic Success
- Kgethego Matlou received the Dux Scholar Award at TuksSport High School after excelling in six subjects
- The Pretoria learner made history as the first TuksSport student to reach the semi-finals of the ATKV Redenaars competition
- Kgethego also served as Deputy Head Boy and received the Esprit de Corps Award, nominated by his fellow prefects
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Source: Facebook
A Pretoria teenager has been honoured with one of his school's highest accolades. Kgethego Matlou, a learner at TuksSport High School, received the prestigious Dux Scholar Award on 17 October 2026, recognising him as the school's top academic achiever.
Kgethego was named the best performer in six subjects: English, Afrikaans, Business Studies, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. He scored 80% and above in all six, as well as in Life Orientation.
A historic milestone in public speaking
Beyond the classroom, Kgethego made school history by becoming the first TuksSport High School learner ever to reach the semi-finals of the ATKV Redenaars competition, a prestigious Afrikaans public speaking contest. The school described the achievement as an example of courage and a willingness to push past personal boundaries.
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Leadership recognised by peers
Kgethego served as Deputy Head Boy in 2026 and was presented with the Esprit de Corps Award, which carries particular weight because it was not handed down from above but voted on by his fellow prefects. They nominated him as the prefect who carried out his responsibilities with the most pride, honesty and integrity.
The ACE Trust, which funded Kgethego's place at TuksSport High School, was acknowledged by the school for making his journey possible.
View the Facebook post below:
South Africans celebrate the young achiever
People in the comments section on TuksSport High School's Facebook page had plenty to say:
Colleen Meikle wrote:
"Wow that's great news to read about such an incredible young man, accolades for everything that you have achieved, South Africa needs more men of your caliber. I would be proud to call you my son."
Terryl Underwood said:
"Maximum respect and best wishes for the future."
Linda Opperman commented:
"What an achiever! Well done."
Terri Fittinghoff Marks added:
"You have a bright future ahead of you."
Anna Thabana shared:
"Congratulations Kgethego for this excellent achievement. Well done boy."
Jennie Lenaghan wrote:
"Congratulations, so proud of your achievements. You will be an asset to any company or will start your own company."
Sydney Kidson added:
"Proud of who you became."
More Briefly News stories on young achievements
- Johannesburg swimmer Lorenzo Cazzavillan, 21, qualifies for the 2026 World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships as a BackaBuddy campaign seeks R150,000 for travel.
- Rudra Patel won the 2026 Eskom Expo Top Senior Scientist award and R75,000 for a project using machine learning to turn invasive Lantana into crop biostimulants.
- A young South African woman transformed a bare corrugated metal shack into a fully furnished home for her mother, and Mzansi was moved by the result.
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Source: Briefly News
