Maqhina Bunono: Dunoon's top matric achiever inspires with her success

Despite the many challenges faced by young people in Dunoon, 18-year-old Maqhina Bunono has emerged as the top matric pupil of 2025 at Inkwenkwezi High School, achieving five distinctions through determination, resilience, and hard work.

Ms Bunono said her academic success did not come easily and required consistent effort and discipline, as well as creating a mentally healthy and safe space for herself throughout the year.

She lives with her family in Cosmos Street, Dunoon, where her father, a pensioner, and her mother, a domestic worker, have gone the extra mile to ensure that she and her sister succeed at school despite financial hardship.

Ms Bunono explained that unexpected school-related costs during her matric year placed additional strain on her family, who were already struggling to make ends meet.

During this time, she relied on donations to continue her studies, she said.

These challenges then became her driving force to study harder and achieve better results.

She said her goal is to become a brain surgeon so that she can build a better future for her family, create a “comfortable life for her family”, and give back to her community.

“I doubted my capabilities at times, but during the doubt I would rise again, and focus on the end goal,” she said.

She described exam periods as extremely taxing on her mental health. To cope, she watched football, spoke openly with her sister about her fears and concerns, and used journaling as a way to process her thoughts and emotions.

The pressure intensified when some of her peers received acceptance confirmations into tertiary institutions while she had not yet heard back. 

She recalled breaking down in tears when she eventually received her acceptance into the Faculty of Medicine and Health at Stellenbosch University.

“I was so nervous, but when I saw I was accepted, I was overwhelmed as it felt like a burden that was lifted off my shoulders. I even cried,” she said.

Ms Bunono will be the first person in her family to attend university. 

She said she understands that becoming a brain surgeon could take close to 15 years, but she is ready for the challenge and believes the journey will be worth it.

She also shared a message of encouragement for her peers, particularly those who did not pass or are unable to continue their studies.

“It’s not the end for you, you determine where you are headed by putting in the hard work and toughening up during the challenges faced at you,” she said.

She encouraged young people from Dunoon, as well as past pupils of the school, to rise above social ills and believe in their potential.