The NSTF Brilliants Programme

The NSTF Brilliants Programme recognises at least 18 first-year students studying in the science, medicine and engineering fields. A young man and woman are chosen from each of the 9 provinces. These students must have received top marks in mathematics and physical science in the National Senior Certificate Examinations (grade 12) of the previous year. They are identified by the national Department of Basic Education, and selected by the NSTF.

The 2025 Brilliants students are:


			
						
				   
												 
							Ms Sinothando Matsha
Eastern Cape
							
								Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School (SSS)
MBChB (Medicine)
Stellenbosch University (SU)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Sivikele Majebe
Eastern Cape
							
								Xolilizwe SSS
BSc (Statistics, Data Science and Computer Science)
University of Cape Town (UCT)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Susan Bender
Free State
							
								Voortrekker Secondary School (SS)
MBChB (Medicine)
University of the Free State (UFS)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Lehlohonolo Mokhothu
Free State
							
								Jc Motumi SS BEng (Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering)
UCT 
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Kagiso Tele
Gauteng
							
								Lesedi SS
MBChB (Medicine)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Ntsako Thato Ringane
Gauteng
							
								Boitshepo SS
MBChB (Medicine)
Wits 
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema
KwaZulu-Natal
							
								Vukile High School (HS)
MBChB (Medicine)
UCT
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Bonga Alwande Sibeko
KwaZulu-Natal
							
								Izazi SS
MBChB (Medicine)
UCT
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Mmatsiane Tshegofatso Komane
Limpopo
							
								Marobathotha HS 
MBChB (Medicine)
UCT 
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Rinono Nkateko Mushwana
Limpopo
							
								EPP Mhinga SS
MBChB (Medicine) 
UCT 
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo
Mpumalanga
							
								Mphanama SS
MBChB (Medicine)
UCT
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Takatso Obrey Sibanda
Mpumalanga
							
								Tholulwazi SS BEng (Mechanical Engineering)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Thobeka Siphesihle Langa
North West
							
								JM Ntsime HS 
BEng (Chemical Engineering)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Jurie Johannes Blignaut
North West
							
								Rustenburg HS
MBChB (Medicine)
UFS
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Cherise Angelique Müller
Northern Cape 
							
								Hoërskool (HS) Diamantveld 
BSc (Chemistry and Mathematics) 
North-West University (NWU)
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr André De Boer
Northern Cape 
							
								Hoërskool (HS) Diamantveld
BEng (Industrial Engineering) 
SU
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Kgopolo Danny Ibang
Northern Cape 
							
								Galaletsang Science SS
BSc (Computer Science and Informatics) 
UJ
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Ms Sarah Ann Haveman
Western Cape
							
								Hoërskool (HS) Durbanville
BSc (Chemistry)
SU
							
 
													 
					  
				   
				
							
				   
												 
							Mr Matthew Christopher Wise
Western Cape
							
								Pinelands HS
BSc (Statistics, Data Science and Computer Science)
UCT

Past Brilliants Awardees

The aims of the Brilliants Programme

Inspire and motivate

Through a speakers’ programme (workshop) and tour of science related sites and facilities:

To inspire and motivate young talented people with exposure to SET in the field, contact with potential role models and mentors, and advice from experts who can address their concerns

To inspire top students to complete their science, engineering and technology (SET) studies

To encourage top students to pursue a career in SET

To provide advice for successful studies and careers

Recognition

To recognise and honour top performers some of whom have received very little acknowledgement, especially in disadvantaged areas and schools. The recognition includes publicity for the Brilliants Programme, the students and their provinces. The details of the programme and the winning students are also part of the annual NSTF Awards ‘Who’s Who’ booklet

To reward top performers with sponsored travel and accommodation, a special ceremony, and recognition by representatives of government departments and sponsors

Bursaries

To identify top performers studying without bursaries – simply because they did not know they could apply for bursaries in Grade 12 – and assist them in finding bursaries

Awarding bursaries sponsored by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)

The reason for the Brilliants Programme

Top results in Grade 12 do not guarantee success. Many school leavers and even graduates struggle to find appropriate work and direction in their lives. This is a concern for SET industries, professionals and for the NSTF. In particular, the NSTF tries to encourage students to complete their studies in science or engineering as far as they possibly can (preferably up to PhD level). The NSTF also tries to motivate students to find their way into one of the many interesting and fulfilling positions in the National System of Innovation (which includes scientific research, engineering and industry).

How the Brilliants awardees are chosen

The Brilliants Programme consists of 18 bright first year students with a passion for science, registered at South African universities for SET-related qualifications. The NSTF requests the lists of top performers in physical science (in the National Senior Certificate) from all the provincial education departments. Two top students from each province are selected, a young man and woman, based on their performance in both mathematics and physical science, as well as their chosen field of study. Only students who matriculated at public schools are selected. The Ministry and Department of Basic Education have given their support to the Brilliants Programme for many years.

Valuable programme

The Brilliants programme (previously called the Education Recognition Programme) has proven to be a valuable project. Many deserving previously-disadvantaged students have been inspired and motivated, as well as often helped to obtain bursaries.

Why the NSTF runs the Brilliants programme

It is critical for the future of our country that enough good passes in matric maths and physical science are produced. Furthermore that some of these young people choose studies and careers in the sciences, medicine and engineering.

Make your organisation part of the Brilliants Programme

If you would like to participate in the workshop to inspire and give advice to bright young people, or offer a tour of your facilities, contact the NSTF office at enquiries@nstf.org.za.

NSTF Brilliants Programme

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

The NSTF welcomes collaboration with other organisations, such as those that have been
partnering with the programme for many years:

Motivational and Role Model Talks Programme

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London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)

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National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)

Ms Sinothando Matsha

Mr Sivikele Majebe

Ms Susan Bender

Mr Lehlohonolo Mokhothu

Ms Kagiso Tele

Mr Ntsako Thato Ringane

Ms Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema

Mr Bonga Alwande Sibeko

Ms Mmatsiane Tshegofatso Komane

Mr Rinono Nkateko Mushwana

Ms Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo

Mr Takatso Obrey Sibanda

Ms Thobeka Siphesihle Langa

Mr Jurie Johannes Blignaut

Ms Cherise Angelique Müller

Mr André De Boer

Mr Kgopolo Danny Ibang

Ms Sarah Ann Haveman

Mr Matthew Christopher Wise

Motivational and Role Model Talks Programme

London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)

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