
On the 11th of October 2025, Opal Students Empowerment Foundation proudly hosted its prestigious Academic & Excellence Awards at the elegant Olympus Manor, honouring the exceptional achievements of students across academics, leadership, sports, creativity, community impact, and personal development. The evening was a powerful celebration of perseverance, discipline, innovation, teamwork, and the transformative impact of mentorship. This annual event continues to shine a spotlight on individuals who not only excel in their respective fields but also embody the Opal Students values of integrity, responsibility, collaboration, service, and self-growth. From academic brilliance to artistic excellence, from sport to social impact, the ceremony paid tribute to students who continue to uplift their communities and represent the future of leadership in South Africa.


















Celebrating Excellence Across Disciplines
In sports, all netball, men’s and ladies’ soccer teams were acknowledged for their dedication, discipline, and growth. Coaches were honoured for their exceptional mentorship, while players were celebrated for their resilience, skill mastery, teamwork, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Leadership and participation awards recognized individuals whose initiative, creativity, and passion for community engagement set them apart. These students demonstrated not only the ability to lead but also the courage to create opportunities, solve problems, and inspire positive change.
Academic excellence took centre stage with students rewarded for their intellectual curiosity, goal setting, consistency, and remarkable achievements in their 2025 examinations. Special categories highlighted creativity, innovation, style, and the arts—reinforcing the Foundation’s belief in holistic development.




Highlighted Award Categories & 2025 Winners
Management Special Awards
Recognizing students who have excelled beyond expectations, often making a mark in high-performance environments or representing their communities nationally or internationally.
Winners:
- Atlegang Sathekge
- Mandla Tebane
- Kagiso Maponya






Influencer of the Year
Awarded to students who used their platforms to inspire, empower, and influence peers through positive messaging and engagement.
Winners:
- Buhle Mahlangu
- Nothando Sikhonde





Community Service Award
Honouring individuals devoted to serving others, uplifting communities, and leading impactful social contributions.
Winners:
- Mampho Sele
- Gontse Ledwaba
- Siyamkela Tinzi
- Athenkosi Yalwa
- Amukelani Makhubela








Style Icon Award
Celebrating a student whose personal expression, confidence, and creativity reflect excellence in fashion and identity.
Winner:
- Anold Mahobatlou




Visual Arts Excellence Award
Recognizing outstanding creativity, artistic skill, and innovation within the visual arts.
Winners:
- Tshegofatso Masemola
- Ika Virginia Pheladi



Wellness Champion Award
Honouring students who actively promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being, inspiring a culture of health within the Opal Students community.
Winners:
- Precious Maroga
- Thabo Thompson Molomo
- Morora Johannes Molobi



Performing Arts Award
Celebrating exceptional talent and contribution to music, dance, drama, and performance.
Winners:
- Matshepo Makgopa
- Aimee McFarlen
- Buhle Mahlangu
- Anold Freedom Mahobatlou








Academic Achiever Awards
Overall Top Academic Achiever – 2025
Awarded to the student with the highest academic performance in the 2025 examinations.
Winner:
- Duna Masisa




Top Academic Achievers – 2025





Highest Honor of the Evening
Opal Student of the Year Award
The most prestigious recognition, awarded to a student who embodies the true spirit of Opal—excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and personal growth.
Winner:
- Mutshidzi Mphara












The 2025 Academic & Excellence Awards & Gala Dinner not only celebrated individual success but also reaffirmed the Opal Students Empowerment Foundation’s commitment to developing well-rounded, impactful young leaders. The Foundation continues to champion education, personal development, community service, and youth empowerment, ensuring that students have both the tools and the confidence to shape a brighter future.
The evening at Olympus Manor served as a beautiful reminder that when passion meets opportunity, excellence follows.






































2026 STUDENT ACCOMODATION APPLICATION: https://opalstudents.co.za/registration/

