Outstanding achievers: Durban Girls' College triplets among matriculants securing 100% pass rate with 314 distinctions

DURBAN Girls' College celebrates outstanding IEB results with a 100% pass rate, 314 distinctions, and multiple top achievers, including outstanding performers Alaya Singh and Kate Steinhobel, plus a set of high-achieving triplets.

Alaya Singh, 18, of Musgrave, the dux recipient, achieved eight distinctions with a 94% average and Kate Steinhobel eight distinctions with a 92% average.

“It feels amazing. Even before the results, it was such a relief that everything was over. Now that I have seen them, I’m very happy because I honestly didn’t expect it,” said Alaya. 

She attributed her success to maintaining calm under pressure.

“This might sound strange, but the main thing for me was not stressing myself out. I stayed relaxed and tried to maintain a peaceful mindset. I do not think I would have managed if I had panicked.”

She plans to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town, with mathematics and IT remaining her favourite subjects.

Rachel Deppe, who achieved an exceptional nine distinctions with a 90% average, was recognised as an IEB commendable achiever.

For Abigail Latter, 18, from Zinkwazi Beach, the moment the results were released was filled with emotion. Abigail achieved seven distinctions and placed in the Top 1% nationally for geography, life sciences and English home language, with an aggregate of just over 90%.

“There was a lot of anticipation and nerves, especially because we had to wait so long. But now I’m so thrilled. I really cannot believe it. My mom is probably even prouder than I am.”

She credited both discipline and balance for her success.

“It is the hardest I have ever worked in my life, but I still kept a balance. I made sure I went to the gym every day because I cannot concentrate without that,” she said.

Tatum Govender, 18, from Umdloti, achieved six distinctions with an 86% aggregate, balancing academic demands with leadership responsibilities as head girl.

“I have been at the school for 13 years, so it is pretty crazy that it is over. The year was busy, but I had such a great support team.”

She said the school’s culture of shared responsibility helped ease pressure.

“We always delegated, so it was never too much. My family, the leadership team and the teachers were always there, giving extra care whenever you needed it,” she said.

She plans to study medicine at UCT and says she will miss the people most.

“I am already missing school, and I have only been gone for a short time. It is the friendships and the connections with girls across all the grades,” said Tatum.

Adding a unique highlight to the results were triplets Keria, Alexia and Nastasjia Reddy, who together achieved an impressive 17 distinctions.

Keria earned seven distinctions with an 87% aggregate, excelling particularly in mathematics and history.

“It feels a bit surreal because most of my life has been school, but I am excited to start something new,” she said.

Keria plans to study politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at UCT, with the possibility of pursuing law thereafter.

Alexia obtained five distinctions, including a 91% in history, and also plans to study PPE at UCT.

“I worked hard, so I’m really happy that the work paid off. I am excited for what is coming next.”

Nastasjia earned five distinctions while balancing academics with sprint athletics and IT. She plans to study computer science at UCT.

“We have been here since Grade R, so finishing together is special. There was always friendly competition between us. We studied together for everything, and we really pushed each other.”

She added that what she would miss most would be the spirit of the school.

“The friendships, the energy in our classes and the ability to connect with so many girls on a personal level, is something really special,” said Nastasjia. 

The school significantly outperformed the national average across all subjects, showcasing academic excellence and dedicated teaching

The class achieved a 100% pass rate with 100% Bachelor’s degree access.

On average, pupils achieved 4.03 distinctions per candidate, while 90% of the class obtained overall A or B aggregates, and nearly half achieved averages above 80%.

Across all subjects, DGC performed 10.53% above the IEB national average.

Jennifer Harrison, deputy head of high school: academics, added that Alaya and Abigail were placed in the Top 1% nationally in three subjects, an achievement she described as “a testament to sustained hard work, academic curiosity and exceptional teaching support”.

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