St John’s College top achiever with nine distinctions secures place at Harvard University

A St John’s College learner is celebrating a remarkable academic milestone after earning a place at Harvard University following an outstanding matric performance.

Siza Gule, a 2025 matriculant from the Johannesburg-based school, achieved nine distinctions and an impressive 94% average, opening the doors to one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

The high-achieving learner recently spoke about his plans during an interview shared on TikTok by the account @whatsgoingonsa, where he was featured in a conversation with Kaya 959 on January 12, 2026.

In the clip, Siza revealed that he will begin his studies at Harvard in August 2026, explaining that the university’s flexible and multidisciplinary academic structure played a major role in his decision to apply.

“I’m not entirely sure of one key thing that I’m interested in at the moment,” he admitted, adding that the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines appealed to him.

Siza shared that he intends to major in politics, with a strong interest in understanding governance and how societies are structured.

Alongside this, he plans to explore literature and theatre, fields that reflect his creative side.

“I’m very much a creative person, and I’ve enjoyed my time at St John’s being on stage. So those two feel like my biggest interests that I’m looking to explore that side,” he said.

News of his acceptance has been met with an outpouring of congratulations online, with social media users praising his hard work and wishing him success as he prepares for his studies abroad.

St John’s College student Siza Gule has already been accepted into Harvard University after achieving 9 distinctions and an outstanding 94% overall average in matric. #KayaNews MP pic.twitter.com/XTKuYP3FPj

— Kaya News (@KayaNews) January 12, 2026