KZN’s top matric student Ethan Naicker reveals the real secret to academic success
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Ethan Naicker has achieved what thousands of pupils across the province work towards each year: becoming KwaZulu-Natal’s number one matric student for 2025. Yet, despite the accolades and certificates surrounding him as he spoke to Stacey and J Sbu interview, the young high achiever admits the moment still feels unreal.
“I still haven’t processed all of this yet, if I’m being honest with you,” Naicker the Drive Show hosts. “Everything has just been such a surreal experience from the time I got the call.”
His rise to the top was not driven by constant pressure or early academic obsession. In fact, Naicker says his motivation developed later than many might expect. The turning point came in Grade Four, when he experienced his first real academic win.
“I got a taste of it once and then I never let go,” he explained. That single moment of success sparked a drive that would shape his attitude towards learning and eventually see him outperform every other matriculant in the province.
Listen to the full conversation here.
“I still haven’t processed all of this yet, if I’m being honest with you,” Naicker the Drive Show hosts. “Everything has just been such a surreal experience from the time I got the call.”
His rise to the top was not driven by constant pressure or early academic obsession. In fact, Naicker says his motivation developed later than many might expect. The turning point came in Grade Four, when he experienced his first real academic win.
“I got a taste of it once and then I never let go,” he explained. That single moment of success sparked a drive that would shape his attitude towards learning and eventually see him outperform every other matriculant in the province.
Listen to the full conversation here.
