As they step into the final year of their high school journey, we are proud to welcome the Class of 2026 into the Siyandisa Achievers Programme, a cohort distinguished by resilience, academic discipline, and sustained excellence. Their strong Grade 11 performance stands as a testament to both their intellectual capability and their readiness to engage meaningfully with the demands of their culminating year of schooling.

These scholars arrive at a pivotal moment, having already demonstrated the consistency and determination required to navigate complex academic pathways. Their inclusion in the Programme reflects more than past achievement; it signals confidence in their potential to grow into thoughtful leaders, innovators, and contributors across academic, professional, and economic spheres.

As the Siyandisa Achievers Programme continues to evolve, so too does the standard expected of those who form part of it. Programme Director Cikizwa Bacela notes that the Class of 2026 enters a Programme that has matured in both scope and intent.

“The bar is set high for this cohort,” she shares. “Our focus has progressively shifted toward a more holistic approach, one that extends beyond academic funding to include enhanced mentorship, structured guidance, and sustained support. This allows each Achiever to map a clear and deliberate journey through their academic years, while also engaging with a deeper, more expansive offering.”

This approach recognises that meaningful success is built over time and across multiple dimensions. From Grade 12 through to university and into their professional lives, the Programme walks alongside each Achiever, supporting not only academic progression, but also the development of confidence, agency, and purpose. In doing so, it creates the conditions for young people to take up space, intellectually, professionally, and ultimately within the economy.

The Class of 2026, comprising a sophisticated cohort of largely STEM-inclined academic achievers, also benefits from an earlier start to the Programme year. This extended engagement allows for deeper immersion and ensures that scholars can fully leverage the breadth of support available to them, positioning them to make the most of the year ahead.

It is with great pride that we welcome these scholars into the Siyandisa Achievers Programme. We wish them every success, both individually and collectively, as they navigate the year before them. We do not doubt that they will rise to the challenge, finish strong, and, in time, take up space in shaping the future of South Africa.