GAUTENG education MEC Barbara Creecy may have been disappointed by the province's matric results, but there were some impressive ones.

Thokazani Selepe, Fana Ndebele, Kgothatso Mabaso and Constance Femele all obtained distinctions.

Thokozani, from Setjhaba-Sohle Secondary in Sebokeng, received distinctions in mathematics, physical science, geography and life sciences. And, as with Fana of Phefeni Secondary School, he scored 100percent in mathematics.

Despite sharing a house with five other people, including his sick mother, Thokozani managed to stay focused to his task. He will study chemical engineering at Wits University.

Fana scored five distinctions. "We have no money, so I had to work hard to obtain a bursary." He will study towards a BCom degree at the University of Cape Town.

Kgothatso, who will study chemical engineering at the University of Pretoria, said: "I had a lot of sleepless nights."

Ntsoaki Femele was lost for words when daughter Constance, 17, showed her her results.

Constance, from Mandisa Shiceka Secondary School in Kagiso, intends to graduate with a chemical engineering degree.