26 Feb 2026

Emotions and celebrations filled the Grand Aria Hotel and Conference Centre Hall yesterday as Botswana honoured its brightest learners at the 16th Annual Top Achievers Excellence Awards ceremony.

Hosted by the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) and the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, the awards recognise academic excellence across all levels, including special recognition for learners with special education needs.

Thirty-seven awardees were selected from thousands, who sat for the 2024 Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), Junior Certificate of Education (JC) and Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations.

Eleven awardees were from the PSLE, 10 from JC, 10 from BGCSE and six for special education needs category.

Primary School Leaving Examination and JC awards recipients were all awarded laptops and trophies each, while BGCSE awardees received iPads and trophies each.

Additionally, former Mater Spei College learner, Lapologang Motiki received the Chairperson’s award walking away with P5,000, whilst former Francistown Senior Secondary School learner, Phenyo Khuruta received the Ministerial award walking away with P7,500.

The star of the day was Pako Lepodise who received the Presidential Award and walked away with P15,000 and a Macbook.

Pako achieved an outstanding 48 points, that is 8 A*s and 2 Bs.

In his remarks, Pako, a former Naledi Secondary School Learner, reflected on his journey of perseverance, faith and self-discovery.

 “Success is not about being perfect. It is about putting in the work, even when no one is watching,” he said.

He admitted that he had not initially set out to pursue the top honour, but gradually realised his potential through consistent effort. He further thanked his family, teachers, classmates and his peers for support and encouraged young people to measure their growth against their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Nono Kgafela-Mokoka urged the top performing learners to see their success as a stepping stone to national transformation.

“Excellence is never accidental. Even in the face of adversity, imagine a better world and work toward building it. We count on you to uphold the future of this nation,” the minister said.

The minister further reminded awards recipients that success was a collective achievement, shaped by parents, teachers and supportive communities, while also acknowledging those who attained personal bests outside the spotlight. In addition, she paid tribute to the parents, guardians, teachers and peers whose support made such achievements possible and challenged learners to embrace creativity and innovation as tools for solving the 21st century challenges.

In his welcome remarks, BEC chief executive officer, Dr Moreetsi Thobega outlined the rigorous selection process, noting that BGCSE candidates must achieve at least six A grades to qualify for top honours, while merit and straight-A achievers were recognised at JCE and PSLE levels respectively.

Special awards, he said were also given to learners with special education needs such as hearing or visual impairments.

He further described the awards as more than a ranking of learners, but a platform to cultivate aspiration, discipline and a culture of excellence.

He also expressed gratitude that it was through hardwork, discipline and commitment to excellence that they performed excellently in their previous examinations, making their parents, teacher and the nation proud.

For his part, Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education assistant minister, Mr Justin Hunyepa acknowledged all corporate partners, including Debswana Mining Company, Stanbic Bank Botswana, and Orange Botswana, for sustaining the awards and investing in youth development. ENDS