Rustenburg’s School-Support Programme Helps Schools Achieve Improved Matric Results

Rustenburg, February 2026 – Impala Rustenburg’s ongoing support of local schools continues to show positive results, with several Impala-supported high schools recording improved matric outcomes in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.

The 2025 matric results point to steady progress across schools in the Rustenburg area, with four Impala-supported schools achieving pass rates above 90%. Waterkloof Hills High School recorded a near-perfect pass rate in its first-ever Grade 12 cohort – a significant achievement for a growing school serving the local community.

Meriti High School showed one of the most notable improvements, increasing its matric pass rate by 18% compared to the previous year. Impala-supported schools performed on average 4% above the national pass rate, with a continued increase in the number of distinctions achieved year-on-year.

Much of this progress was supported by Impala Rustenburg’s academic interventions, which included Saturday and supplementary classes offered to Grade 12 learners at mine-community high schools including Sunrise View, Freedom Park and Keledi secondary schools and Bafokeng High School, among others. These classes focussed on key subjects including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English and Geography, and have contributed to increased pass rates over the past three years.

Moses Motlhageng, Chief Executive of Impala Rustenburg, said, “These improvements are the result of commitment from learners, teachers, school leadership and our partners. While many schools continue to face real challenges, we are encouraged by the steady progress being made and remain committed to walking this journey with our mine communities.”

Beyond pass rates, individual learner success remains a key indicator of the programme’s impact. A top-performing learner from Sunrise View Secondary School, Omphemetse Tshenepe, was recognised among the leading achievers in Impala-supported schools and was also a previous recipient of the Peter Davey Award, awarded annually in recognition of academic excellence and potential. Other top performers from the Class of 2025 include Warona Mathuloe from Meriti Secondary School who achieved eight distinctions, Prudence Tshenepe and Koketso Motshoane from Sunrise View Secondary School who both achieved seven distinctions, and Idlett Lebajoa from Platinum Village Secondary School who achieved seven distinctions.

Motlhageng said, “I applaud these learners on their exceptional matric results. They are an inspiration to many young people in our mine communities.”
Impala Rustenburg’s school-support programme aligns with the social performance and sustainability strategy of its holding company, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats). Implats’ commitment to education and skills development reflects a long term investment in host communities. This focus is demonstrated through substantial improvements to school infrastructure to enhance hygiene, safety and the overall learning environment.

These projects elevate educational conditions and stimulate local economic participation by creating jobs and supporting the growth of local SMMEs during implementation. Beyond infrastructure, Implats reinforces learning and development through its broader mine community strategy, which integrates community-focused skills development to cultivate a capable, future-ready workforce and strengthen community resilience. Impala Rustenburg’s school-support programme reaches primary and secondary schools in its mine communities, focusing on academic support, leadership and governance training, infrastructure improvements and holistic learner development, demonstrating its broader commitment to sustainable community development.