‘I feel like someone is going to pinch me’: Two matriculants from St John’s headed to Harvard University

St John’s pupils Siza Gule (left) and Menzi Bongwe (right) are headed to Harvard University in the United States. Pictures: Supplied Two of St John’s College’s top achievers are preparing to take their academic excellence from Johannesburg to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, after securing places at Harvard University in the United States. Siza Gule and Menzi Bongwe both achieved nine distinctions in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, capping off a demanding matric year marked by leadership responsibilities, heavy subject loads and rigorous extracurricular commitments.

Gule described getting his matric results as a moment of both relief and gratitude. “It feels relieving to be at this point now, to have been anticipating the mark for so long. It definitely removes the weight off my shoulders to finally see how I’ve done,” Gule said.

He obtained nine distinctions, including English, mathematics, physical sciences, French, advanced programme (AP) English, AP mathematics and life orientation. Gule also served as head boy, a role he said tested his ability to balance academic pressure with leadership duties. “It did feel quite overwhelming at some point… trying to prioritise my own mental health but also doing due diligence towards my role in terms of serving the school,” he said, adding that the experience taught him resilience, planning and self-discipline.

[paywall]

Gule has received an offer to study at Harvard from August, where he plans to explore law, politics and theatre through the university’s flexible liberal arts system. “I have been incredibly blessed to have received an offer from Harvard to study there this year,” he said. “I’m excited by the multidisciplinary model because I don’t have one definitive thing that I’m set on doing.” He said he hopes to combine his interest in law and politics with his passion for drama and literature. “I have felt the most fulfilled standing on stage and performing or analysing poetry,” Gule said.

[/paywall]