By: Matshediso Selebeleng
... Q&A with Matric 2025 Best National Achiever in Mathematics
Dedication, hard work, and perseverance best describe 17-year-old Bokang Mokubung, following his outstanding performance in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. Journal News recently caught up with Mokubung on the sidelines of the Free State Provincial Government’s annual Matric Well-Done Function, hosted at the Central University of Technology (CUT), where the province honoured the top 100 achievers of the Class of 2025. Below is a conversation between Mokubung and Journal News reporter Matshidiso Selebeleng.
Congratulations on your achievement. Apart from what we have been hearing, please tell us: who is Bokang Mokubung and how did your academic journey begin? My name is Bokang Mokubung. I am 17 years old and I come from the dusty streets of Bluegumbosch in Qwaqwa. I started my academic journey at the age of five at Justice Lefuma Primary School, where I attended from Grade R to Grade 7, before transitioning to Bluegumbosch Secondary School. Let us start at the beginning. How was your primary school experience? My primary school days were fun. I had a lot of friends who made school enjoyable, and there was not much academic pressure because the workload was lighter. That is also where I developed a love for English, which became my favourite subject. Comparing that “fun” life with your secondary school experience, what changed and what caused that change? The transition from primary school to high school was tough. My marks dropped when I got to secondary school, and I had to dig deep to find my footing. Eventually, I adapted to the more serious and demanding academic environment. It was not a smooth journey, but I made the most of it and ensured that my schoolwork remained my top priority. Apart from the drop in marks and missing the fun, what were the biggest challenges you faced during high school? High school was never easy, but things became more difficult in Grade 12. I could not attend extra classes for Life Sciences and Geography like other learners until Grade 12 because they clashed with the extra classes I attended on weekends and during holidays at the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology. At the centre, I focused on Mathematics and Physical Sciences, which meant I had to teach myself Life Sciences and Geography. That was extremely challenging and required a lot of discipline.
We understand that you will be studying Actuarial Science at the University of Pretoria. Has that always been your dream? Growing up, I wanted to study teaching and eventually become a teacher. However, as time went on and I was exposed to different opportunities, my plans changed. Studying Actuarial Science only became a dream in Grade 12, after conducting research and reviewing the South African economy. I chose Actuarial Science because I am interested in business and plan to start several ventures in the future. I want my businesses to succeed, and I believe my strong mathematics skills, combined with this qualification, will help me achieve that. What is one high school moment that you will always carry with you? Being a Dux learner for two consecutive years is a memory I will always carry with me. It serves as a reminder of what I am capable of, especially during difficult times. Grade 12 was a challenging year. I struggled with procrastination and had to sacrifice my social life to stay focused. I lost touch with many friends and had no time for social media. I also helped many learners at my school by teaching them during extra classes. You have spoken extensively about challenges and sacrifices. Did you ever feel so exhausted that you considered giving up? No, I never thought of giving up. Although I sometimes felt exhausted, it was never to the point of throwing in the towel. I constantly reminded myself of my goals, which motivated me to keep going. When my energy was depleted, I pushed myself to study anyway — as we say in Sesotho, “ka nkane.” Academics took up 100% of my time, and I lived entirely in my books. My greatest accomplishment and a realization of my dream was passing matriculation with eight distinctions.
