Spar Superstars Berea Mail 2023

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High School October

Jose Dos Santos

Brettenwood High

Young poet’s poem wins local contest

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The Spar Satr for Brettenwood High School is Grade Eleven learner Jose Dos Santos, who put his feelings of teenage angst into a poem and unexpectedly ended up winning the Speech and Drama Association of South Africa Poetry Competition.

 

Jose said he was approached by one of his teachers at Brettenwood and encouraged to enter the poetry contest. “I decided to put something I was experiencing in life at the time into the poem. The poem is titled A Dilemma. To give some context, I had these romantic feelings about someone. At the time, everything was so whimsical, and being a teenager, the feelings felt so intense. Then someone else entered my life, and it left me confused.”

 

The Speech and Drama Association is a non-profit organisation based in Glenwood that hosts annual festivals in schools and studios in KwaZulu-Natal, where children are assessed in a non-competitive environment, with encouragement and confidence development being the primary goals. The organisation put out a call for poets in July with entries closing on August 1. Winners stood a chance to have their poems published at the back of the 2024–2026 SADASA Syllabus, and on October 1, Jose was notified that he was one of the winners.

 

“I was so ecstatic when I found out that I had won, I was absolutely shocked. I thought my poem didn’t have an interesting edge – maybe it was too lovey-dovey. I wasn’t too confident. But my teacher told me the poem was very good, and I should trust in myself,” said Jose.

 

The Grade Eleven learner says his favourite stanza of the personal poem, which will soon be permanently placed in SADASA’s next syllabus, is:

 

“The other smile, a sunbeam on my soul,

Radiant warmth that makes my spirit soar,

But doubts arise, as shadows take their toll

Will love’s flame flicker? Or forever more endure?”

 

Jose says he will continue to write poems and hopes one day to be a scriptwriter and use his creativity to tell stories.

Nkululeko Khumalo

Glenwood High

Batter up

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Grade Ten Glenwood High School learner Nkululeko Khumalo was selected to participate in the 2023 IRT All Star Invitation Softball Tour.

The softball squad travelled to the Netherlands from October 2 to October 11, where they played against teams from around the world. The SA All-Star team played three games and won two of the three games. Photo: Submitted

Sarah McLaren

Durban Girls’ College

Young swimmer set to take part in BRICS Games

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The senior SPAR Star for Durban Girls’ College is Grade Ten learner Sarah McLaren who has been selected to swim for the South African U20 team at the BRICS Games in Durban from October 18 to October 21. Photo: Submitted

Skyler-Rose Rowe

Durban Girl’s High

Badminton star set to compete in Zimbabwe

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The SPAR Star for Durban Girl’s High School is Grade Ten learner Skyler-Rose Rowe. Rowe participated in the South African Badminton School’s Tournament with her badminton team where they qualified to represent South Africa in the All Africa School Championships taking place in Zimbabwe later this year on a date that is yet to be confirmed.

 

Rowe says she and her team qualified for the All Africa School Championships held in Mauritius last year. “It was a great experience getting to travel as a team and play against countries we’ve never played before. We got to play tough opponents and learn from the games we played and learn skills during our time there.”

 

The 15-year-old says she’s looking forward to returning to the competition. “I’m looking forward to seeing the teams from the other countries and being able to play against players who are strong and whom I’ve never had the chance to play against before. Every tournament allows you to grow as a player and person, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to play in another tournament, especially one as big as this tournament. I am also looking forward to getting to travel with my team and experience this tournament with them.”

 

Rowe started participating in the sport of badminton in 2017. “I love playing the game and getting the opportunity to travel and meet new players outside of where I live.”

Outside of badminton, Rowe says she enjoys reading. “Most of my free time outside of badminton, I spend reading. I especially love mythology which is why Rick Riordan is my favourite author, and most of my collections of books are written by him.”

 

“My only future goals are to continue playing in the junior age groups, to do as well as I can in them and to see how far in my life I can continue to play the sport of badminton,” said Rowe.

Junior & Senior Primary October

Adyaan Mahomed

Eden College

Soccer star named as team captain

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The SPAR Star for Eden College is Grade One learner Adyaan Mahomed who was chosen as the captain of his team to represent KwaZulu-Natal at the Wahda Junior Soccer Tournament that took place in Pretoria from October 7 to October 8.

 

Adyaan was discovered by a scout from Dragons High Performance Training to join a new team made up of players from various Durban and District clubs to play in the Wahda Junior Soccer Tournament. “I felt very proud of myself and super excited when I received the news that I would be the captain of my team. I was selected as Man of the Match for both friendly games against Wentworth Warriors and Aztec FC, and that was exciting for me, too.”

 

Adyaan says he was very excited and nervous to be part of the new team. “We had a month to train with kids from various clubs before we headed to Pretoria for the tournament. I was really hoping to bring the trophy back to Durban, but unfortunately, my team lost in the semi final, 1–0.”

 

Adyaan was five years old when he started playing for Stella Football Club. “I love playing soccer; I love scoring goals and learning new tricks with the soccer ball.”

Adyaan says his biggest supporters are his family, and his role model is his older brother. “My family is very supportive, and I would like to be just as good as my big brother, Zayaan.”

Outside of soccer, Adyaan says he enjoys all the sports offered at his schoo,l and he especially enjoys reading and swimming.

 

“When I get older, I want to play for Bafana Bafana and a Premier League team,” said Adyaan.

Bayanda Khuluse

Sycamore Academy

Sycamore's shining star

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Bayanda Khuluse is a Grade Three learner at Sycamore Academy. His school said he is an excellent sportsman who excels in all sports.  He’s had to meet physical challenges, and this he has accomplished with distinction. His bright and positive disposition, together with his commitment to his academics, makes him the SPAR Star of the Month.

Jia Ranchhod

St Henry’s Marist

Science star wins gold

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JIA Ranchhod, a Grade Seven learner from St Henry’s Marist College, is the junior SPAR Star of the month at her school. She won a gold medal at the Eskom Science Exhibition and also took home the prize for Best Design in the Engineering category at the exhibition. She wowed the judges with her chair design – aimed at making life easier for people with Parkinson’s disease

“My grandfather has Parkinson’s disease, and I watch him in his everyday life. Simple tasks that I am able to do, I’ve seen that he struggles to do. One of the things that I noticed, in particular, is how he sits in a chair. He can’t sit up straight. I came up with the idea to make a chair that will help with his posture. When he sits, he has a hunchback. My chair aims to give him a better posture because if you have a bad posture, it can have many negative effects,” said Jia.

She went through a process of trial and error during the design and building process. “I built the chair myself. I had to make seven different prototypes,” she said.

Jia built her chair using scrap wood, nails and ribbon.

“My chair is like a conveyor-belt system. Because my grandfather needs to sit down quickly, he ends up sitting on the edge of the chair. My chair pulls you back so you can sit against the back rest, and it pulls your back straight,” she explained.

Jia excels academically and particularly enjoys science and mathematics.

“In grades five and six, I came first in the grade. I also go to Kumon and can do first-year university-level mathematics.”

Jia also plays chess and piano and enjoys debating and robotics. She hopes to study actuarial science after she completes her schooling.

Magizhini Mohanraj

Gordon Road Girls’ School

Magizhine excels in math comp

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The SPAR Star for Gordon Road Girls’ School is academic superstar, Grade Five learner Magizhini Mohanraj. During this academic year, Magizhini competed in the World Mental Math competition, an advanced international mental mathematics competition in which she placed sixth in the country. Magizhini also competed in the Abagility Math national competition and won the championship trophy for her exceptional results. Coming up, Magizhini will be going to the finals of the South African Literacy Association Reading Competition at the end of October.

The 10-year-old says she has always enjoyed math. “Math has always been a fun subject for me, thanks to my dad who uses practical examples to make it more interesting. Recently, I was curious to know how competitive I am in the subject, and that’s when I came across this math competition through the Abagility team and decided to participate.”

Magizhini says the World Mental Math competition was held on August 20 on an online platform and she received her stellar results on September 17. “When I received my results, I felt impressed with myself and very happy knowing I had achieved my goals through hard work. My goal is to rank first on the list, so I would definitely compete in World Mental Math again. I enjoyed it because it was mentally stimulating and pushed me to my limits. It also challenged my thinking, which was a great experience,” said Magizhini.

Magizhini says she enjoys taking part in math competitions because of the problem-solving aspects, the challenge, competition and camaraderie with her fellow math enthusiasts.

The Abagility Math Competition took place on May 5, and the young math enthusiast received her results on the same day. “Winning the Top Achiever Award in my category at the national level fills me with immense pride and inspires me to strive for greater achievements,” said Magizhini.

Magizhini says her biggest supporters are her mom and dad because they support and encourage her.

Outside of her academics, Magizhini says she enjoys playing chess, drawing and reading. “My goal is to become a NASA astronomer and lead my team to success and new heights,” said Magizhini.

Mahi Gokal

Durban Girls’ College

Mahi is a table tennis star

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Grade Four Durban Girls’ College learner Mahi Gokal participated in the South Africa Championships in Bellville, Cape Town, for table tennis. She played very well against tough opposition – she fought hard and won a bronze medal.

As per the SATTB’s (South African Table Tennis Board’s) last rankings updated in August 2023, Mahi is ranked 16 in South Africa in the U11 Category. Her latest performance will improve her rankings. Photo: Submitted

Nate Trickett

Durban Preparatory High

Surf’s up for Durban Prep learner

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SURFING Star Nate Trickett is a Grade Seven learner from Durban Preparatory High School. He was selected to compete in the South African Junior Surfing Championships in October and has also surfed as part of the eThekwini Surf Riders Association.

 

“I will compete against surfers from the whole of South Africa. We will go to Jeffery’s Bay to compete,” said the youngster.

 

He added that this is not the first time he will compete in the championships.

“I went last year to compete, so this is my second time making it to the championships. Last year, I surfed in the U12 category and made it to the quarter-finals,” he said.

 

Nate said he went through a series of trials to qualify for the championships.

“I did my trials in Durban. Depending on where you come in each trial, you are awarded points. The four best people in each age group are selected for the championships,” he explained.

 

He said that impressing the judges is usually down to technique.

“In Durban, we have such fast waves, so the judges are always looking for quick turns and nice end sections,” said Nate.

 

This year, Nate (13) is surfing in the U14 category, and the youngster is anticipating some tough competition.

“My goal is just to do better than last year,” he said.

 

Nate said he took up surfing at the age of five years old when his father would take him out on the waves on a long board. “I loved surfing from the start,” he said. “I didn’t have a natural talent for it – I just had to work really hard and practised my surfing every weekend.”

 

When he is not surfing, Nate enjoys playing rugby, hockey and golf. In the classroom, he is strong in mathematics and usually scores A grades.

High School September

Erin Girodo

Durban Girls’ College

Netball superstar motivated by her family

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THE SPAR Star for Durban Girls’ College is Grade Twelve learner Erin Girodo. The matric learner and her netball team won the SPAR Fast 5 Tournament this year. The challenge, which is in its third year, heads to seven regions around KwaZulu-Natal, inviting teams from those areas to participate in the SPAR Fast 5 Tournament, and Durban Girls’ College took home first prize.

 

Erin also made the South African U23 (a non-traveller team) and the U19 team that went to Australia in August 2023 for the Tri-Series World Indoor Netball Tournament, winning a silver medal at the tournament with her team.

 

Girodo says she started playing netball at a young age. “I started playing netball when I was seven years old in Grade One.”

She says that playing netball is her passion and acts as an outlet for her. “Netball is my time to just relax and get away from reality, and when I’m training and playing on the court, it’s a place where I can be myself.”

 

Girodo says that her biggest supporters are her family. “I get a great deal of support and love from my parents, my grandmother and my baby sister, and they motivate me to be the best I can be. And I also want to thank my coaches for supporting me and never letting me give up.”

 

Outside of netball, Girodo says she enjoys helping others. “Outside of netball, I enjoy teaching and helping my sister with netball, playing volleyball with my friends, spending time with other family and going to braais.”

Ryan Govender

Glenwood High School

young mixed martial arts fighter to represent SA

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THE SPAR Superstar for Glenwood High School is Grade 10 learner Ryan Govender who qualified to represent South Africa at the Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) Youth National Championships that were held in Johannesburg on May 6.

 

Ryan says he started participating in combat sports at the age of four. “I started with karate, and after achieving my black belt and provincial colours, I transitioned to the sport of MMA [mixed martial arts] in 2019 while also being well-versed in jiu jitsu (green belt) and kickboxing (purple belt). Now, I have received my national colours for MMA with a decent amount of experience and exposure.”

 

The 15-year-old says that he enjoys the benefits that MMA gives him, mentally and physically. “MMA keeps me sane, motivated and disciplined as I’m going down this right path and long journey. I’ve found peace in the violence; I’ve trained and conditioned my body to withstand anything and everything beyond its limits, mentally and physically. It’s given me a massive boost in confidence and self morale knowing what I’m capable of doing, and it has made me obsessed with progression.”

 

Ryan says he is blessed to have an amazing support base. “I would say my biggest supporters are definitely my family – my mother, my father and my younger brother – they’ve been behind me through all my ups and downs in my career; they never gave up on me and have always supported me, and it motivates me every day to do better.”

 

The Grade 10 learner says he is committed to being the best he can be, but still enjoys other hobbies. “Outside of MMA, during the rare free time I do get, I enjoy spending time socialising with my friends and family, and I like going out and doing activities with good company and people. However, being an athlete is a full-time job and commitment, and we seldom get alone time or time to unwind as we’re always training and working to get ourselves better – and dieting. It’s a hard life of balancing everything, but it is definitely for me – this is my passion and my calling, and I’m ready to show the world what I already know – I’m the best!”

Yabongeka Ntanjana

Durban Girls’ High

Yabongeka shoots for the stars

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THE SPAR Star for Durban Girl’s High School is Grade Nine learner Yabongeka Ntanjana. Ntanjana took part in the 5th PeacePlayers SA Girls’ Basketball Festival on Saturday, August 26 and scored an exceptional goal for her team.

 

Founded in 2001, PeacePlayers unites, educates and inspires youth through basketball, life skills and leadership programming. Throughout the school year, youth mentor coaches and programme co-ordinators facilitate life-skills sessions through basketball twice a week in schools and weekly in Cross-Community Peace League Games.

 

Ntanjana says she started playing basketball in 2022. “I enjoy everything about playing basketball. I used to play defence a lot in most of my sports, and when I started playing basketball, I started enjoying shooting hoops and being a shooter.”

 

Ntanjana says basketball teaches her to manage her time and be disciplined. “I’ve learned that it’s hard to balance sports and academics, but once you really put your mind to it, it can happen. You really have to read what’s around you in basketball before you take action.”

 

The Grade Nine learner says she receives a lot of support from her coaches and teammates. “My teammates are the best because there is equality between us, and any time someone makes a mistake, we don’t judge each other; we encourage each other to do our best. My biggest supporters are my coach and my teammates. I want to one day play basketball as a profession, and I also have hopes of becoming a cardiac surgeon.”

Junior & Senior Primary September

Bonga Mhlongo

Penzance Primary

Young actor wins international award

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THE SPAR Star for Penzance Primary is Grade Seven learner Bonga Mhlongo who won the Best Actor Award from the Garden Route International Film Festival for his role in the film, Father’s Day. Mhlongo also stars in Magaeng that is currently airing on Mondays on DSTV Channel 161.

 

Mhlongo says that acting is in his blood. “Both of my parents have worked in theatre for years – that is actually how they met – and although my mother has left the theatre industry, my father still works in the acting industry, and both of them have a real passion for it.”

 

Mhlongo says he joined an acting agency at a young age and started starring in advertisements before moving onto bigger roles. “Even though I come from an acting family, it has been hard work that has gotten me to where I am now. I have a passion for working hard and dedicating myself to every role that I play, whether it is big or small. For my role in Father’s Day, I really tried to understand the character’s story.”

 

The film, which has been released in other countries, has not yet been released in South Africa, but Mhlongo assures us that it is coming soon. “The film is about a boy who doesn’t know his Dad, but he finds letters from his father with an address on them. When he goes to this address, he finds more than he bargained for, and from there, the story just unravels. I’m really excited for this short film to come to South Africa.”

 

The Grade Seven learner says that although it can sometimes be difficult to balance his acting career and school, he gets it done because he knows that a person must work hard for their passion. “There are some roles that I have to turn down because I have to focus on school, but for Father’s Day, I had to take some time off from school and catch up, but I’m really glad that I stuck with the role because I was able to learn a lot about myself and grow as an actor from playing this role.”

Tejhal Moopanar

Gordon Road Girls’ School

Tejhal’s strokes of genius

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THE SPAR Star for Gordon Road Girls’ School is Grade Six learner Tejhal Moopanar who competed in the KwaZulu-Natal Junior Swimming Championships in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. Moopanar made it through all her heats and went on to compete in the finals at the gala and achieved the following results: 5th place, Girls 11 years, 50m Breaststroke; 8th place, Girls 11 years, 50m Freestyle; 4th place, Girls 11 years, 100m Breaststroke; 7th place, Girls 11 years, 100m Freestyle; 6th place, Girls 11 years, 200m Freestyle, and 8th place, Girls 11 years, 200m Individual Medley.

 

Moopanar says she has always loved swimming. “I love the water, and swimming is a fun activity to take part in. When I was smaller, I used to go to the beach, and I’ve also loved the water since then, so when I started swimming, I always had a lot of fun. I realised I could do swimming competitively in Grade One. My parents were really encouraging, and they entered me into a club, and that’s when I started swimming competitively.”

 

To qualify for the KwaZulu-Natal Junior Championships, the Grade Six learner says she swam at the Kloof Winter Championships where she says she was able to make her times to qualify for the recent competition. “The swimming style I’m best at is breaststroke, and my best time is 00:01:35 in the 100m Breaststroke,” said Moopanar.

 

Moopanar says she has a wonderful support system. “At the KZN Junior Championships, my parents and coach from Action Swim Academy were there to support me, and they were all really proud.”

 

Outside of swimming, Moopanar says she enjoys cycling, running cross-country and being active

High School August

Juandré Nel

St Henry’s Marist

On track to success

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GRADE 10 learner at St Henry’s Marist College, Juandré Nel is the senior SPAR Star of the month from his school. He placed second at the National ROK Cup Karting Championship in Cape Town recently.

“There are four nationals a year. In this national there were about ten competitors and I placed second, winning R1500,” said the youngster, adding that he races in a class called OK-N.

Juandré took up the sport in 2020.

“I went rental karting with my cousin and really enjoyed it,” he said.

Juandré said the biggest challenge he faces in the sport is funding, although he added that there is some tough competition on the track.
“It’s a very expensive sport. There is a lot of competition in South Africa which is ranked as one of the top countries in karting,” he said.

He added that fitness is an important part of karting.
“You have to train your neck and core muscles. We call it ‘karting fit.’A lot of people think you just get in and drive, but until you are actually in the seat, you won’t realise how fit you actually have to be,” he said.

Mental strength and strategic driving are also important facets of karting for Juandré.
“You have to stay completely focused for about 15 minutes of pure racing- trying to push your hardest. The track can be challenging and it gets quite complex, where you can lean in your seat to the right if you are going into a left hand corner to get more grip on the back tire. Or you can duck behind the steering wheel on a straight stretch to improve aerodynamics and shave 0.1 or 0.2 of a second off your time,” he said.

The youngster is now moving on from karting to compete in the Polo Cup, a car racing class.
“It’s one of the most prestigious racing classes in South Africa,” said Juandré.

“It will be my first time racing cars. I think the biggest challenge will be the competition as I will be racing against adults who have much more experience than me,” he added.

Juandré hopes to continue his racing career professionally after school.

Keziah Kippen

Holy Family College

Keziah excels in Karate

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GRADE 11 learner from Holy Family College Keziah Kippen recently took part in the Kimura Shukokai International (KSI) Karate World Championships in Cape Town where she placed fourth in her category.

She faced some challenges at the championships.
“Most of the girls in my division were taller than me, so I lost my first fight,” she said, adding that she had to stretch to reach her opponent.

To qualify for the competition, Kezia competed at a regional tournament and achieved her South African colours in karate. Prior to this achievement, the youngster achieved her KwaZulu-Natal colours.

“You have to achieve KZN colours in order to go to regionals,” she explained.

She took up karate when she was eight years old and has worked her way up from her white belt to her brown belt.
“After brown belt, there is the junior black belt and then finally the black belt, so the brown belt is the third-highest belt,” she said.

Not only does she enjoy the fitness aspect of karate but also the camaraderie around the sport.

“It’s good for fitness, and with karate comes a lot of friendships. It’s not just a sport – you gain a family,” she said.

Karate has also taught Keziah self-defence. Keziah is also a talented poet, and one of her poems was recited by a fellow classmate when her school hosted the Durban leg of the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day Local Blankets is Lekka roadshow in June

Onwabile Ndlebe

Curro Heritage

Young actress feels at home on stage

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The Spar Star for Curro Heritage House is grade 12 learner Onwabile Ndlebe. The 16-year-old received an award last for her outstanding academic performance in dramatic arts, achieving an A aggregate every term in 2022. Ndlebe also continues academically, maintaining an A aggregate in all her subjects in her grade 12 year.

Ndlebe says that she excels in dramatic arts because it is her favourite, “Taking drama has helped me to evolve and develop, it’s an escape for me and I get to be myself in the drama classroom. I allows me to get out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I would do. Wheteher it’s theory or practical I always ensure that I do my best.”

The grade 12 learner says that this being her final year of high school, she wants to push herself to do her best, “My favourite lyrics from Michael Jackson says ‘If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change’, so I understand my limitations and how far I can push myself and it’s through understanding myself that I’m able to get the best out of myself.”

When she finishes school and her studies, Ndlebe says she wants to be a dimplomat, “I want to represent South Africa and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. I have a voice and I want to use it in a manner where I can create a permenant, positive impact.”

Outside of striving to achieve her best academically, Ndlebe says she loves to read, “Studying and staying on top of my academics is very important to me, but I do allow myself to have time where I spend time outside, playing traditional games with stones and cans, cooking, reading and just enjoying my youth.”

Sanelesiwe Kweyama

Open Air School

Para surfer rides the wave of victory

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THE SPAR Star for Open Air School is star surfer, Grade Eight learner Sanelesiwe Kweyama. The 15-year-old took to the sea and won a gold medal for her performance at the Tyre Life South African Para Surfing Championships in May of this year.

Sanelesiwe says she started taking part in para surfing competitions in July 2021. “We usually had social competitions, which took place in July. My first competition took place on July 30 and 31,and I came out fifth the first time I surfed and third the second time I surfed.”

Sanelesiwe says she loves everything about surfing. “I really enjoy being inside the water – ever since I had my accident, I never thought I would be able to swim, but through surfing with Made for More, I learned that is possible. Being in the water makes me feel happy, and the people around me are very supportive.”

Made for More is a non-profit organisation that uses sport as a vehicle to equip athletes with physical challenges, with the opportunity to pursue their sporting careers provincially and on a national level.

Going into the Tyre Life South African Para Surfing Championship, Sanelesiwe says she was nervous. “I didn’t know the people I was going to compete with, but luckily, my friend gave me some really good advice, and my coach and God helped me come out with a gold medal.”

Sanelisiwe says she hopes to continue with surfing and excel further in the sport. “My future plans for surfing are to go far with it – I want to be a superstar and go international. This November, I might be going to California to the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in Pismo Beach. I am waiting to hear if I have been selected. If I am selected, I would be honoured to get the chance to represent my country and my province at the competition,” she said.

Junior & Senior Primary July

Abigail Thambiran

St Henry Marist

A swinging success for Abigail

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GRADE Five learner Abigail Thambiran is the St Henry Marist College junior primary SPAR Star for the Month. Abigail is a talented golfer. A proud moment on the greens for Abigail was when she won the SA Kids Golf Junior Africa Challenge for the second time this year.

“I won [the tournament] two years in a row – last year and the year before,” she said.

Abigail has also been selected for the KwaZulu-Natal Golf Team.
“Near the end of last year, I played a tournament in Kloof, and that’s when I made the team,” she said.
“There are a lot of girls joining the sport, but I am one of the few who has made the KZN team,” added Abigail.

She took up golf at just three years old.
“I liked to watch sport, and watching all those golf players inspired me. One day, my dad bought me a set of golf clubs, and I started to play – it was something I wanted to do,” she said.

Abigail described golf as a mental game.
“You’ve got to be very strong mentally in golf. It’s a very hard sport and requires a lot of mental game,” she said. “It’s a good sport if you understand it. It requires a lot of patience. You have to be very focused.”

She hopes to play golf professionally after school.
“I plan to go to university in the US and turn pro after university but still play tournaments,” she said.

Last year, Abigail was selected to represent KwaZulu-Natal in the Inter-provincial Golf Tournament at Prince’s Grant Golf Estate. Abigail was selected for the team after she took part in the U11 golf qualifiers at Kloof Country Club. When she is not teeing off, Abigail achieves high marks in the classroom. She especially enjoys mathematics.des keep her fit enough.

Nhlamulo Khosa

Eden College

Nhlamulo shoots for the stars

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THE SPAR Star of the month for Eden College is Grade Seven learner Nhlamulo Khosa. Khosa was chosen to represent his school and his province by the KwaZulu-Natal Invitational Primary School Soccer Association at the Bill Stewart tournament, where he competed with other learners from KZN. According to Khosa, the KwaZulu-Natal Invitational Primary School Soccer Association is a football association that selects boys from different primary schools to represent KwaZulu-Natal at the Bill Stewart tournament, and it was held from June 30 to July 4 at Camp Discovery in Dinokeng.

“All the provinces in South Africa compete for a trophy. This year was the 50th Annual Bill Stewart’s tournament – the tournament was founded in 1971 but wasn’t played in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19,” said Khosa.

Khosa says he was extremely excited and honoured to be able to represent his province in a sport that he loves and is passionate about. “I started playing soccer at the age of three. I love the fact that all you need to play soccer is a ball; yes, it is a team sport, but you can practise and play alone or with friends and learn new skills and scoring techniques so you’re always learning.”

Khosa says he realised he had a knack for the sport early on. “In 2018/9, when I was in Grade Two or Three, I would play during break with some of the older boys that were in grades 4 to 7, and I would be able to skill and dribble past them and score goals against them. That was when I realised I was really good.”

Khosa says his biggest supporters are his coaches at school, his family and his KwaZulu-Natal coaches, and the 12 year-old has big plans for his future.

“I would like to try and make the KwaZulu-Natal U15 Soccer Team and maybe play soccer in university. However, I wouldn’t want to pursue the sport as a career because I have a bigger passion for cars and I would like to become a mechanical engineer,” said Khosa.

Recently Khosa has also reached a milestone by being named the deputy head boy for Eden Preparatory. “I was very surprised and shocked at
the same time when I was named deputy head boy because I didn’t expect to be elected to the position, however, I feel honoured and privileged to be the deputy head boy of my school.”

High School July

Alwande Gasm

St Henry’s Marist

Netbal star heads to Dubai

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ALWANDE Gasm, a Grade 11 learner from St Henry’s Marist College, is the senior SPAR Star of the Month at her school. She is a talented netball player who was recently selected to take part in the KwaZulu-Natal Schools Telkom tournament in Cape Town from July 9–14. What’s more, Alwande will represent her country on the international stage in Dubai at the end of the year.

“I am playing for the KZN Dolphins team,” she said, adding that she attended several rounds of trials to qualify for the team.

“Trials start in Durban Central, then Umlazi, then the third and final round, when everyone from all the districts gathers at Hoy Park and a team is selected,” continued Alwande.

Alwande’s skills on the court did not go unnoticed as scouts attended the trials.
“I was picked to attend the Dubai tour in November. There are three teams: KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape all representing South Africa,” she said.

It was a proud moment for Alwande when she made the Dolphins team this year.
“I’ve never made this team before. I went to trials years ago, but never made it to the final round. This was the first time,” she said.

While this is the first time Alwande has made the team for outdoor netball, she was first selected for the KZN indoor netball team in Grade Six.
“I started playing netball in Grade Three and began playing competitively in Grade Six, when I started trying out for the KwaZulu-Natal team. I made the team then for indoor netball and made the team consistently since Grade Six,” said Alwande, who plays Goal Attack or Wing Attack on the court.

Outdoor netball presents a greater challenge.
“The level of competition is broader in the sense that a lot of districts from different areas come together. Whereas, indoor netball is usually played between neighboring schools,” said Alwande.

She trains once a week for outdoor netball and once a week for indoor netball.
“The sessions are five to six hours. I train on a Sunday at Hoy Park,” she said.

Alwande hopes to play netball professionally for the South African team one day.
“Netball is my escape, something I take pride in doing,” she said.

When she’s not on the netball court, she plays for her school’s First Hockey Team. Alwande is also a peer mentor at her school – she holds a leadership role in that she is available to assist learners at her school if they have any struggles or challenges.

Deano Boesak

Durban High School

Touchdown for Deano

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DEANO Boesak, Grade 12 learner and current 1st XV Fly-half for Durban High School was capped for The Sharks U19 side recently. Deano was also called up to play on the U19 Sharks team at the finals against The Bulls in Pretoria recently.

“I went on for the last seven minutes of the game, playing wing,” he said.

He said it was an honour to have the opportunity to play for the team.

“I was playing for the U18 team last year. The manager called me this year and asked if I wanted to play for the U19 team,” said Deano.

He added that he made the U18 Sharks Academy when he took part at Craven Week last year. The talented sportsman said he took up rugby as a Grade Six learner and usually plays in the fly-half position.

When he is not on the rugby field, Deano enjoys playing cricket. He hopes to continue playing rugby after school and hopes to study at the University of Cape Town next year.

Rishen Moodley

Curro Heritage

Consistency is key to acing accademics

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WITH impressive academic success throughout his schooling career, Rishen Moodley, a Grade 12 learner from Curro Heritage House, is the SPAR Star of the month. Last term, the academic achiever scored 100% in two subjects: mathematics and IT. He said his aggregate score averages in the 90% range.

“I’ve been the top achiever in this school since Grade Eight – I have achieved first place [in the grade] every year since Grade Eight. It didn’t start here – in primary school, every year, I’d get an award. I remember I was so exited to win that first award in Grade One and put it on the shelf at home. Now, I have many more awards,” he said.

Rishen added that he won the Dux award in Grade Seven and achieved Half Colours in Academics as a Grade Eight learner.

“That was the first time anyone got Half Colours in Grade Eight. I also received Honours in Grade 11, and I am hoping to get Academic Honours again this year. Academic Honours is given for an aggregate of 90% or above,” he said.

His favourite subject at the moment is IT.
“When we didn’t have to choose subjects, my favourite subject was creative arts. I don’t take art anymore as a subject, but I do enjoy drawing,” he said.

Rishen puts a lot of effort into his academic success, taking time to study ahead of exams.
“I do have a lot of sleepless nights when it comes to exams, but it’s not that I am forced to study so hard – I enjoy it,” he said.

His secret to success is consistency.
“Being consistent with your learning is important. If you don’t put in the work, you’re not going to get the results you want,” said Rishen.

While he handles exam stress quite well, Rishen credited his parents for supporting him through his academic career.
“My parents play a big role. Whenever I’m down, my mother is always there for me, as well as my father. I cope quite well with stress. It’s not much of a problem when it comes to exams,” he said.

The academic achiever plans to attend the University of Cape Town next year where he hopes to put his aptitude for mathematics to good use in an arterial science degree.

Sonali Mahabeer

Durban Girls’ College

Sonali lands in the English Olympiad’s top 5%

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THE SPAR Superstar for Durban Girls’ College is Grade 12 learner Sonali Mahabeer. Sonali has been placed in the 2023 English Olympiad Home Language Top 12. This is her third consecutive year in the Top 5% in the National Olympiad competition. This Top 12 is her highest level achieved as yet.

As a prize, Sonali was invited to the National Schools Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown) from June 27 to 30, including the English Olympiad Prize-giving ceremony on Friday, June 30 for her achievement of making it in the top 12 out of 5 800 students! Earlier this July, Sonali found out that for this year’s English Olympiad, she was placed seventh in the country out of the thousands of entrants.

The 17-year-old says she has come a long way and first took part in the English Olympiad in Grade 10, placing 41st in the country. “I was inspired to participate in the English Olympiad for the first time in Grade 10 because I have always loved writing and literature, and both have always been a constant in my life. Writing is something that allows me to express myself and be creative, and I was excited to share my perspective on the Olympiad’s texts.”

Commenting on what she enjoys about taking part in the English Olympiad, Sonali says, “The texts in the anthology are well chosen and mostly from works that challenge the way I think – that encourage me to shift my perspective. The Olympiad prizes originality and creative takes on traditional texts, which is something that I enjoy responding to. It takes what I enjoy about creative tasks I have to do for school – this being the space for individual thought and critical analysis – and removes the constant stress of having to perfect my response for the ideal mark. When I’ve written every Olympiad for the last three years, I have gone in with no expectations for myself and just the objective to enjoy myself doing what I love.”

Sonali says she enjoys the creative space that the English Olympiad gives her and recommends that high school learners who are looking for a challenge should give it a try. “My goals are to challenge myself further, both academically and in my chosen career field, in order to make as much of a difference as I can. I want to help others in a way that is uniquely mine – whether it’s through what I write or if I become a doctor like I’m planning, I know that if I put in the work, I can make that a reality. To anyone thinking of taking the English Olympiad, it doesn’t matter at all how you perform in English at school, just give it a try. What will set you apart is not how well you can memorise grammar rules or comprehension responses, it’s how unique your personal voice is and how brave you can be when you respond to the texts. Your voice matters. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” concluded Sonali.

Junior & Senior Primary June

Ava Jackson

Sycamore Academy

Ava nets success

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GRADE Two learner from Sycamore Academy Ava Jackson is the SPAR Star of the Month. Ava is a talented netball player – she plays centre position on the court and is a very valuable member of the team.

Her school said Ava is a polite and well-mannered young lady who always strives to do her best. She works hard academically and always presents neat work.

Yusuf Osman

Durban Preparatory High

Yusuf scores in sport and academics

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GRADE Six learner from Durban Preparatory High School Yusuf Osman is a talented sportsman – excelling in hockey, cricket and tennis. He is also a high academic achiever.

This year, he made the KwaZulu-Natal A-team for hockey and the district team for cricket.
“Last year I was the KZN cricket captain for the U11 age group,” he added.

Cricket is Yusuf’s favourite sport – he is a batsman.
“I started playing when I was about four or five years old. I just love the sport. Most of my friends play, and we work really well together. We’ve been playing together since we were in Grade Three,” he said.

The youngster is an accomplished batsman.
“In 2021, I won the headmaster’s trophy for Best Batsman of the Year when I scored 128 not out – that’s my personal best,” he said.

He took up hockey when he was a Grade Four learner, following in his mother’s footsteps.
“My mom was a KZN hockey player, and I was influenced by her to start hockey. I love playing hockey – for me, it’s like soccer with a stick,” he said, adding that he used to play soccer but dropped the sport from his schedule as it clashed with other sport commitments. Yusuf plays centre-striker on the hockey field.

He attended several rounds of trials to qualify for the KZN Hockey Team this year.
“First, I had to make the district team, then the Umlazi team, and then eventually, the KZN teams. I found out I made the team after the last round of trials in Ashton in May,” he said.

He also played for the KZN Tennis Team last year and qualified for the Tennis South Africa junior nationals last year and again this year.
“That’s the top 60 in the country. I am currently ranked number 2 in KZN for U13,” said the youngster.

When he is not on the sports field, Yusuf excels in the classroom. He enjoys mathematics as well as natural science and social science.
“In Grade Four, I came first in the grade, and last year, I came second,” he said.

Adding to these achievements, Yusuf is a straight-A student, excelling in all his classes.

High School June

Daniel Radford

Glenwood High

Daniel is a theatre star

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The SPAR Superstar for Glenwood High School is Daniel Radford, a Grade Eight learner who has a passion for acting. Daniel recently starred in a play that featured learners from both Glenwood High School and Eden College, called 13, The Musical. The teen musical showcased at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from March 30 to April 2, with Radford playing one of the main characters. Following his role in 13, The Musical, Daniel will be starring as Christopher Robin in Kickstart Theatre Company’s live-action production of Winnie the Pooh, set to showcase at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from June 22 to July 16.

 

Daniel says he found he had a passion for acting and performing in high school. “I have been in other smaller school performances but only really discovered how much I enjoyed it when I went to Glenwood High School and was mentored by Marion Loudon. I have been in small primary school productions, but 13, The Musical was my first big performance. ”

 

The 13-year-old says he enjoys every aspect of putting on a performance. “I enjoy the whole process watching the production taking shape from the first rehearsal to the final product. I absolutely love making the audience laugh and building relationships with the cast as we grow as actors.”

 

He says his experience acting in 13, The Musical is one he will never forget. “I loved acting in 13, The Musical. Acting on the Elizabeth Sneddon stage was something I realized I wanted to do when we went to watch Jack and the Beanstalk in December 2022. I remember telling my mom that I would perform on that stage one day – little did I know it would be so soon. My favourite part of the production was the actual performances. I loved the audience’s reactions. It was also during this show that I realised how much I enjoyed being on the stage.”

 

Daniel says he is eager for his upcoming performance. “When I got the email to say that my audition for one of the roles of Christopher Robin – which is a shared role – was successful, I was overjoyed and had a whole lot of mixed emotions – I was a little nervous but also excited to be working with Steven Stead in a KickstArt production. I am very excited for the show.”

 

The Grade Eight learner says his biggest supporters are his family, and he hopes to continue acting. “I’m not really sure what my future holds, but I look forward to participating in many more shows and will take any opportunity that comes my way.”

Jude Bunyan

St Henry’s Marist

Jude is Broadway bound

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GRADE 12 learner from St Henry’s Marist College, Jude Bunyan, was recently accepted to the prestigious Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) at the Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town for 2024. Jude also performaned at the World Lyrical Dance Federation recently where he won a special award for Excellent Stage Presence, gold for his solo performance (with an aggregate of 93.6%), silver for his duet, gold for trio and gold for squad.

StarBound was the Durban leg of the South African competition, which forms part of the international dance organisation and involves acrobatics, ballet, hip-hop, jazz and lyrical dance. Jude is a member of the Debi Frizelle Academy of Acrobats and was entered into a solo, duet, trio and squad.

Commenting on his acceptance into LAMTA, Jude said, “At the school, what they look for and teach is ‘the triple threat’ which is if you can dance, act and sing. They only accept triple threats and further improve those skills.”

Out of the three skills, Jude’s favourite is dance – he practises a range of dance styles, including tap, modern, African contemporary, acrobatics, jazz, hip-hop and ballet.

“I started dancing nine years ago. I have always liked to move and dance,” he said, adding that his mother enrolled him in dance classes as a youngster, and he never looked back.

Jude dances every day – he said a successful dancer has several attributes.

“You pick up rhythm in dance – you need to have teamwork skills to work with other dances around you. You have to be fit, and you have to have fun when you dance,” he said.

While dance has been a long-time passion, Jude took up singing lessons last year.
“I was very nervous about singing but have improved a lot,” he said.

And his singing skills came in handy when he took to the stage recently to play the lead in his school play, Singing in the Rain. Jude’s dream is to one day perform in a Broadway show.

Unaye Mdau

Durban High School

Unaye shines on stage and sports field

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GRADE 11 learner from Durban High School Unaye Mdau shines on the stage and sports field. He is also a talented musician and singer, having been selected for the KZN Jazz Band for the second year in a row.

What’s more, Unaye was selected to play the lead role, Danny Zuko, in his school production of Grease this year.
“This is my first time playing a lead, so I feel quite honoured to be given this opportunity,” said Unaye, who hails from the Eastern Cape where he performed in his first musical production.

He was also selected for the first-team rugby squad at his school – adding to his sporting achievements.
“I made the U16 Sharks Academy B-Rugby Team last year. That was a very big achievement for me,” said Unaye.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when rugby was not always available, Unaye’s love for music and singing grew.
“Singing has been part of my life since Grade Two – probably before. I was actually quite shy in the beginning until my Grade Seven year when I made the boarder choir at Sterling High School in the Eastern Cape. When I moved to Durban, I fell in love with singing again,” he said.

He started playing saxophone in Grade Eight and was chosen as a saxophone player for the KZN Jazz Band in Grade 10.

“Saxophone requires a lot of dedication and discipline. It takes a lot of time, and it’s hard in that you need technique, but once you get a grasp of it, it gets easier,” he said.

Unaye also plays for his school jazz band and sings in his school choir, and mentors Grade Eight learners at his school.

Neve Quail

Durban Girls’ High

Bullseye for Neve

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AFTER taking up archery just four years ago, Grade 10 learner from Durban Girls’ High School, Neve Quail has already broken five national records. Neve first tried her hand at archery through a Scout event and hasn’t looked back since. She hopes to compete in the Outdoor World Champions and then go to the Olympics.

Commenting on her record-breaking achievements, Neve said, “Last year was my first Outdoor National and probably also my best year to date. I won indoor and outdoor nationals and was ranked first in all archery categories I competed in. I also managed to break five national records (some of which I broke multiple time through the season) and set an African record.”

Neve is currently shooting in the U18 category.

“I’m ranked first in all categories I shoot in. I won gold in the Indoor National Event, silver at a very tough Outdoor National, and set four Outdoor National records. I was also spotted by Magnum Archery to which I’m now a team shooter,” she said.

Now she trains at least three times a week, shooting about 100 arrows per training session.

“You have to have stamina and strength to do archery – especially back strength to be able to pull the 32-pound draw I shoot. On the evenings, I don’t physically shoot; I do exercises to help with muscle memory and form,” she added.

In archery, draw weight or poundage refers to the force needed to draw the bow. Every bow has a specific draw weight, and Neve shoots with an Olympic Recurve Style bow and a 32½ pound draw.

Junior & Senior Primary May

Asande Mkhize

St Henry’s Marist College

Asande has a hat-trick up his sleeve

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TALENTED cricketer Asanda Mkhize, a Grade Seven learner from St Henry’s Marist College is the SPAR Star of the Month. What’s more, he recently made the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket team. What’s more, he was selected to represent the Primary Schools Sharks U13B side at Craven Week in June.

Commenting on his cricket achivement, Asande said he attended cricket trials at Penzance Primary to qualify for the team.

“I was excited to make the team – it made me want to push myself further,” he said.

The cricketer is happiest on the pitch when bowling. He added that the biggest challenge to a cricketer is to score a hat-trick – a feat he has achieved.

“This is when you bowl three people out in a row,” he said, adding that his next goal is to hit a century in batting. He practises cricket twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. When Asande is not on the pitch, he enjoys rugby, soccer and basketball.

Finn Mallett

Durban Preparatory High

Touchdown for talented Finn

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FINN Mallett, a Grade Seven learner from Durban Preparatory High School, has excelled on the sporting field and was recently selected as his school’s first-team rugby captain.

Commenting on the achievement, Finn said, “I am honoured to be able to lead my school’s first team for rugby.”

He has been playing rugby for several years. “I first started rugby in Grade One. I loved all sports, and my friends were playing rugby, so I decided to start rugby, as well,” he said. Finn also plays water polo, cricket and hockey – all for the first teams at his school.

His goal for rugby this year is to make the KZN U13 rugby team. He said he did not make the team last year as he was recovering from a broken collar bone. Another goal for Finn is to be captain of the rugby team at his new high school next year.

High School May

Bongumenzi Biyela

Open Air School

Bongumenzi’s basketball dreams

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THE SPAR Star for the Open Air School is seventeen-year-old para-basketball star, Bongumenzi Biyela, who has recently been selected to be a part of the National Senior Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Squad of 27 who will represent South Africa in Ghana in September of this year. Biyela had both his legs amputated shortly after he was born due to peripheral vascular disease and has been playing wheelchair basketball since he was seven years old.

In December of last year, Biyela was selected for the South African National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team, and this year, Biyela says he hopes to push himself so he can qualify to compete in the Paralympics in Paris in 2024. However, after overcoming so many physical obstacles, there is one obstacle still standing in his way. The 17-year-old needs a specialised wheelchair in order to help him compete on a national and international level.

Vicki Thorpe, Biyela’s physiotherapist, says that the wheelchair will help him perform to the best of his abilities.

“Bongumenzi is already a stellar wheelchair basketball player, but the wheelchair that he uses is a standard wheelchair provided by the school. If he was able to get the specialised wheelchair, he could compete on a higher level, and with him already qualifying for international competitions, we want to do everything we can to raise the money that is needed to get him this wheelchair. So many people believe in him, and that’s because he is truly talented, and we think he could go a really long way in this sport.”

Biyela has launched a BackABuddy page to raise money for the specialised chair that will cost R80 000.
“Wheelchair basketball is a highly specialised sport. Having my own basketball wheelchair will allow me to improve my skills and perform at my highest level. To those who sponsor and donate towards this basketball wheelchair, I will always be deeply grateful as you would have helped me reach my goal of playing for my country and making my dreams come true,” said Biyela.

To help Bongumenzi Biyela achieve his goals, visit his BackABuddy Page: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/bongumenzi-biyela-5553791540122015945.

Kadence Ribbink

Durban Girls’ College

Triathlon champion heads to Germany

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THE SPAR Star for Durban Girls’ College is Grade 11 learner Kadence Ribbink. Although she is only 17, Ribbink is a triathlon champion and has competed in multiple events this year for the triathlon junior elite division.

She placed second in the junior elite division and took the SA Champion title for U17 at the SA Champs at Nelson Mandela Bay on March 19 of this year. She placed first in the junior elite female category at the 2023 Africa Triathlon Junior Cup in Namibia on March 25 and also placed first at the 2023 African Triathlon Cup in Zimbabwe on April 1. Due to her tremendous achievements, Ribbink is currently ranked first in Africa for junior elite and has recently been selected to represent South Africa at the Junior World Championships in Hamburg, Germany, in the junior elite division, taking place this year from July 13–16.

Ribbink explained that the triathlons include a swim, a bike race and a run. “In the competitions I compete in, I have to complete a 750m swim, a 20km bike race and a 5km run at the fastest time to place first,” said Ribbink.

The Grade 11 learner says she started swimming at a young age. “I’ve always excelled at swimming since I started at quite a young age, and when I started running, I really enjoyed it. So, when my sisters started competing in triathlons, I joined them, and I grew to love it.”

Ribbink hopes to qualify for the Junior Commonwealth Team and eventually head to the Olympics. “I am still waiting to find out if I’ve been selected for the Junior Commonwealth Team – that would be a dream come true – and hopefully if I am selected, I will make it to the podium. One day, I hope to make it to the Olympics, and I know I can get there if I keep working hard.”

She says she will always love competing. “I love the environment around competing and the adrenaline rush and the support that we give each other as athletes.”

The triathlete says her biggest supporters are her sisters, her mother and her father.

Junior & Senior Primary April

Dru Mills

Durban Preparatory High

Dru shines in sports

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GRADE Seven learner from Durban Preparatory High School Dru Mills is a star water polo and rugby player. Last year, as a Grade Six learner, Dru was selected for his school Water Polo First Team as well the KZN U13 Water Polo Squad. He was also selected for the KZN Sharks U12 Rugby Team that competed in Riversdale (Eastern Cape) in the U12 Interprovincial Rugby Tournament.

“This year, I was selected as my school’s water polo captain and led our first team to second place in the National Grey PE Junior Water Polo Tournament,” said the youngster.

He took up water polo at a young age.

“I have been playing water polo since I was very young. My dad is a water polo player and still plays competitively, so it was always natural for us to be in the pool anywhere we went, throwing the ball around. My first experience with a water polo ball was when I was seven, and I played in a fundraising festival with my dad and older brother,” he said.

Dru also enjoys rugby which he took up at the age of six.

“I am very proud of both my water polo and rugby achievements. It was an honour to be chosen as the only Grade Six in the KZN U13 Water Polo Squad consisting of 19 boys from various schools across the province. The KZN Sharks U12 Rugby Team had a very successful tournament beating both Western Province and Border to unofficially finish second,” he said.

His 2023 goal is to be selected as the KZN U13 Water Polo captain at the end of the year. Dru also hopes to make the KZN U13 Rugby Team to play at Craven Week in Pietermaritzburg in July.

“Ultimately, I would like to go on to play water polo for South Africa and go to the Olympics and World Championships,” he concluded.

Kayla Griffin

Glenwood Preparatory

Ballet star is on point

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GRADE Seven learner from Glenwood Preparatory School, 12-year-old Kayla Griffin, is an accomplished ballet dancer. She took up ballet at the age of three and by four-years old, she performed in Dance for Joy at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

“I remember being dressed in a green costume. I was a frog that mostly hopped on stage. A lot has changed since then,” said the dancer.

She started ballet at Betty Blake Academy of Dance.

“I love dancing, and it keeps me fit,” she said.

Kayla went on to pass her Royal Academy of Dance exam and started competing in the annual KwaZulu-Natal Dance Festival, competing against dancers from all over KZN. Kayla has done exceptionally well, achieving gold, silver and bronze placings in all categories over the years.

At the age of six, Kayla was accepted into the Danceworx KZN Theatre Dance Company and performed in Mirror Mystery (2016), The Frog Prince (2017), Doorway to Zinia (2018), and her favourite performance to date, Swan Lake (2019).

“I enjoy performing, especially in the Playhouse Productions, of which I have performed in a total of four. I also enjoy participating in the annual American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards where judges from overseas judge and score the ballerinas on technique,” said Kayla.

In 2019, Kayla was awarded a bursary at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre bursary awards. The ballerina has also taken part in the American Academy of Ballet international performance awards annually, from age six to date. Kayla also received the Mignon Furman Award and a scholarship to attend the American Academy of Ballet summer school in New York – and she has no intention of putting her ballet shoes away.

“I would love to continue to dance when I finish school, taking part in shows and productions, local and overseas. I would also love to get my ballet teacher’s exam and possibly open my own ballet school one day – ‘Kayla Griffin School of Ballet’,” said the youngster.

When she is not dancing, Kayla enjoys school sports.

Lingewalise Gqaleni

Sycamore Academy

All-round success

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Lingewalise Gqaleni is a Grade Three learner at Sycamore Academy. She is an all-round achiever. She works hard in the classroom and achieves top marks in academics.

She is also a member of her school’s chess squad and takes part in inter-school tournaments. Lingewalise is also a good swimmer and excels on the netball court. Her school also praised Lingewalise for being kind, friendly and helpful to others at school.

Shreeya Mahadeo

Durban Girls’ College

Queen of the checkered board

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THE SPAR Star for Durban Girls’ College is Grade Eight learner Shreeya Mahadeo. Shreeya placed second in the U14 Girls at the 2023 South African Junior Closed Chess Championships. These championships were held in Sandton City, Gauteng and qualified Shreeya for the 2023 Commonwealth Chess Championships in June.

Shreeya also came first in the SA U14 Girls division in the Online South African Junior Chess Champion. She is set to represent South Africa at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World U8-18 Chess Championships in Batumi, Georgia, from June 5 to June 12.

High School April

Cameron Grobler

Glenwood High

Target shooter heads to England

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THE SPAR Star for Glenwood High School is Grade 11 learner Cameron Grobler, who was selected to represent South Africa at the British Junior International (BJI) competition.

This year, Grobler was selected to be part of the 21-member South African National Shooters Union (SANSSU) which will be competing in England between July 30 and August 12.

Grobler said that to make the team, he went through two trial rounds. “In March. I participated in U21 Mpumalanga Open in Middleburg, where shooters from two provinces competed against each other. I came in third place. That qualified me for the BJI trials which consisted of three intense days of shooting. But it was all worth it when I was chosen among other great target shooters from around the country, to be part of the SANSSU team.”

The 17-year-old started target shooting in Grade Nine. “I started target shooting in Grade Nine. I started off as a springer shooter, which is a certain type of rifle category that you get in target shooting. Then I made the KwaZulu-Natal team in my first year doing target shooting because I shot the qualifying score. I also went to the South African finals in the same year, representing KwaZulu-Natal. In Grade 10, I moved up to the sporter rifle category, a category above springer shooter, and I made the KZN team again.”

Grobler said that the support he has received has been overwhelming and heartwarming. “When I came back from the BJI trials and the news came out that I had made it, I received messages from everyone, saying congratulations. A lot of my friends and family were very proud of me, especially my mom and dad. Before I even shared the news with everyone, my mom anddad had let half the nation know already. I appreciate everyone’s help and support.”

 

The Grade 11 learners say he wants to make his school proud. “When I go to BJI, I’m not just representing myself – I’m not just representing KZN or my country – I’m representing Glenwood High School. I’m proud to be a Glenwood scholar and a Glenwood Boy.”

 

Grobler says he wants to continue to climb up the target-shooting ranks. “My goals for the future are to make top 5 in South Africa this year and maybe even next year again. I would also really like to take part in other types of shooting – different genres, styles and disciplines of shooting.”

Micah Edom

Holy Family College

Soccer star represents KZN in Milan

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TALENTED soccer player Micah Edom, a Grade Eight learner from Holy Family College, recently took part in the Yes Cup Tournament in Milan, Italy, from April 4 to 10.

Micah took part in soccer trials for Durban Lyons Football Club in January 2023, and after two days of trials, he was selected to participate in the Yes Cup Tournament.

“In February, we competed in Richards Bay, where three teams competed and a certain number of players was selected from each team to form the KZN United team, which competed in the tournament in Milan,” he explained.

Micah (14) played for the U16 Division.
He said the Yes Cup Tournament consisted of 18 countries from all over the world, and his team made it to the semi-finals where they came third in their division. His club participated in the U10, U12, U14 and U16 divisions.
Michah started playing soccer at the tender age of five years old and first played with Spiders Sporting Academy, under the guidance of Sheldon Roux, as a striker.

“I have always had a passion for soccer. It was big in my community growing up,” said Micah, who grew up in Sydenham.
He has played for various teams, including Ashtown Football Club and Warriors Football Club, before making the KZN Soccer Academy team where he played various positions over three years, including right wing, right back and/or defender. Micah has also played soccer for his school soccer teams. He hopes to play soccer professionally after school.

Vongai Mubaiwa

Eden College

Serving through leadership

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THE SPAR Star for Eden College is Grade 11 learner Vongai Mubaiwa. Mubaiwa was announced as the 2023 Interact Club president for Eden College on March 28. Mubaiwa says she is thrilled to take on the position. “When I was announced as the Interact Club president, I was in shock, but at the same time, I was very excited to take on the role. My brother was the Interact Club president in his Grade 11 year, so this is something I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Mubaiwa.

Interact, which is short for International Action, are clubs that are community-orientated and give school pupils an opportunity to serve society in various ways. There are many Interact Clubs throughout the world, and they consist of some 360 000 Interactors, and Eden College Interact functions under the auspices of the Rotary Club of Durban.

Mubaiwa said she is ready to take on her responsibilities in her new leadership position. “My responsibilities as president will be to organise with the committee what we will be doing for each of the Interact days. I need to make sure that everything is running smoothly, get everyone’s opinions and ideas and ensure that we work as a team to make a positive change in our community.”

Mubaiwa said her aim as president is to give back. “My goal for this coming year as president is to help the people of South Africa, to get actively involved in as many charitable initiatives as possible and try to help as many people as I can throughout my time as president.”

Junior & Senior Primary March

Keaton Ormshaw

ST Henry’s Marist

Touch down for Keaton

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ST Henry’s Marist College Grade Seven learner, Keaton Ormshaw, is the junior SPAR Star of the Month. While Keaton is just 13, he was recently selected for the U15 KZN Rugby Team.

The youngster recently took up touch rugby in December last year.
“I didn’t really know much about touch rugby, but I wanted to go and try out while I was in the off-season of all of my sports – I wanted to keep my stamina up,” he said.

The youngster plays wing.
“We practise every Sunday for four hours,” he said, adding that he enjoys being a part of the team and that the team works together on the touch-rugby field.

He also enjoys cricket, rugby and excels at swimming.
“I love cricket – it’s my favourite sport,” he said.

He was also selected to take part in the Durban and District Gala this month.
“I have swum in the gala every year since I was in Grade Four,” he said.

Luthando Khuzwayo

Sycamore Academy

Luthando’s all-round success

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GRADE Six learner Luthando Khuzwayo from Sycamore Academy is the SPAR Star of the Month.

She has worked with determination and focus to develop her academic, sporting and cultural abilities.

She is an active participant in the many facets of school life, including chess, guitar, art and academics, and has excelled in all that she puts her mind to

Thandolwethu Hlatshwayo

Eden College

Thando is a dancing queen

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THE SPAR Star for Eden College is Grade Seven learner Thandolwethu Hlatshwayo. Thandolwethu competed at the American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards on November 17 and qualified to participate in the American Academy of Ballet Summer Programme in New York this May. Thandolwethu was also awarded a Junior Gold Badge from Eden College for her outstanding performance in ballet. Thandolwethu says she started ballet when she was five years old. “I started doing ballet when I was five. I started off at my old school’s academy and then did ballet at Eden College with Melissa Williams.”

Thandolwethu uses dance to express herself. “Ballet makes me feel open and happy because I can express myself through dance. I’ve always loved dancing. I also do contemporary dance and a little bit of hip-hop dancing.”

She also enjoys performing. “I love drama studies, and I love acting, and last year, I was Flounder in the Eden College Play, Ariel. I really enjoyed performing in a different way.”

Thandolwethu hopes to give other young girls and boys the chance to fall in love with dance the way she did. “When I am older, I would like to go into the arts, like dance, drama and music. I want to create an academy to help those who are less fortunate to express themselves through the arts.”

High School March

Lerou Ditlhakanyane

Durban High School

Lerou nets spot on SA team

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TALENTED hockey player, Lerou Ditlhakanyane, a Grade 12 learner from Durban High School, is the SPAR Star of the Month. Lerou was recently selected for the South African U21 Men’s Team Hockey recently.

“I first started playing hockey when I was in Grade One at Holy Cross Primary, and ever since then, it just felt right. I usually play in the midfielder, but I’ve had my fair share of positions,” said the youngster.

He added that the trials for the U21 Men’s Team Hockey took place in Pretoria from the January 26 to 29.
“This was the first time I was selected for the U21 SA team,” said Lerou.

He hopes to pursue hockey professionally after school – he simple loves the game.

“I enjoy the fact that I can just be myself without any outside stresses. What I sometimes find challenging is staying present in the game, although that is something I can work on,” he added.

Lerou is also a prefect for the Class of 2023 at his school.

“It became a goal of mine to become a prefect the day I started my high school career. I would describe myself as a leader in certain aspects of life, although there’s always room to learn,” he concluded.

Lily Euripidou

St Henry’s Marist

Lily tackles KZN rugby tour

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GRADE Nine learner for St Henry’s Marist College, Lily Euripidou, is the SPAR Star of the Month. She was recently selected for the KwaZulu-Natal U15 touch-rugby team. The learner will be heading off to Johannesburg on tour this month as part of the team.

She said she usually plays left link position. “I started playing touch rugby when I was in Grade Five at my old school, Manor Gardens Primary School,” she said.

While rugby has typically been a boys’ school sport in the past, Lily says many girls are taking up touch rugby today.
“It’s played in lots of co-ed schools and all girls’ schools,” she said.

With a passion for the sport, Lily hopes to continue playing touch rugby throughout her schooling career and beyond.
“I might carry on playing club rugby or for the KZN U19 team – touch rugby has always been a passion of mine, so I am going to keep it up,” she said.

She said the sport keeps her on her toes – she goes to extra training and keeps fit for the game.
“You have to do fitness training just to keep up because the game is back and forth – you could be on defence or on attack. and it can switch up at any moment – from a drop ball or interception. You have to have stamina and speed and endurance,” she said.

When she is not on the touch-rugby field, Lily plays water polo for her province.

“I have made the KZN Water Polo Team two years in a row,” she said. “I also have tried out for KZN soccer and made the team, but couldn’t play because it intercepted with water polo.”

The sports star also enjoys drama and says she was a ballet dancer for many years.

Ashley Ebing

Durban Girls’ College

Ashley is determined to be a swim champ

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THE SPAR Star for Durban Girls’ College is Grade 12 learner Ashley Ebing. Ashley qualified to swim in the Grand Prix Gala that was held at Kings Park Swimming Pool in early March. The Grand Prix Gala is only for swimmers who qualify by swimming South Africa qualifying times. “To qualify for the Grand Prix Gala, I had to compete in the SA Senior Nationals, and I performed well at the competition so I made it,” said Ashley.

Ashley was also selected to swim the 10km and 5km in the South African Open Water Championships that were held at Marina Martinique, Jeffrey’s Bay, from March 9 to March 12. “This most recent competition went really well. I made it into finals, but I’m not nearly at my personal best times yet. Hopefully, I will reach them in April with a lot of hard work,” said the Grade 12 learner.

She was recently awarded the U19 Victrix Ludorum at the DGC Championship Gala, and she set a new record for the Open 100m Medley. The new record is 01:09:04, thanks to Ashley’s incredible speed.

“I started swimming when I was six years old at Westville Swimming Club, and I’ve been with the same coach and the same club since. I went to Penzance Primary School, and when I came to Durban Girls’ College, I joined the swim team in my first year,” she said.

Ashley says she is surrounded by people who support her. “I enjoy the support I get from all my loved ones, family and friends. And I also enjoy making new friends who enjoy the same thing I do.”

The Grade Twelve learner says she is inspired by her mother. “My mom really inspires me – she is my biggest supporter, and she is amazing in everything she does. She’s been there for me every step of the way.”

Ashley hopes to make it into the World Championships Team or even the Commonwealth Team and says she will continue training until she gets there.

Outside of swimming, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends and family and relaxing when she has the time.

Lihle Chipeya

Glenwood High

Lihle is a natural leader

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THE SPAR Star for Glenwood High School is Grade 10 learner Lihle Chipeya. Lihle has recently been elected as president of the Glenwood High School Interact Club. Lihle says he has been a member of the Interact Club since Grade Nine. “I have been a part of the Interact Club since Grade Nine and joined the club at the beginning of the same school year. I was elected as the president of the Interact Club on February 28 this year.”

“As the president of the Interact Club, I’m in charge of leading and organising the club’s events and projects, communicating with club members and community partners, and representing the club at events and meetings,” said Lihle.

Lihle says that the Interact Club has several exciting projects in the works now, but two stand out. “Firstly, we are preparing for our annual Shavathon, which raises funds for cancer research and supports cancer patients by shaving heads in solidarity with those undergoing chemotherapy. This event always generates a lot of enthusiasm among our members and the wider community. In addition, we are organising an Easter-egg drive for Makabongwe Preschool. This is a fantastic opportunity to spread some joy and kindness to the children at the school and make their Easter extra special. Our members are keen to get involved and make a difference in the lives of these young learners,” he said.

Lihle says he loves to give back. “One of my favourite moments while being a part of the Interact Club was seeing the kids’ smiles when we gave them Christmas presents. It felt good to bring them happiness, and it made me feel good about the work we were doing.”

Apart from his involvement with the Interact Club, Lihle has a few hobbies that he enjoys. “I love playing soccer – it’s a great way to connect with friends and have fun. In addition, I have a deep passion for history, especially theology. I find it fascinating to learn about different religions and belief systems and how they’ve evolved over time. I’m also a big fan of playing FIFA. Finally, I enjoy connecting with people on the streets who are often ignored or left alone. I like to learn about their backgrounds, how they ended up in their current situation, and find ways to make their lives a bit better. It’s a small way that I can give back to my community and make a positive impact,” said the Grade 10 learner.

“If you’d like to get involved with the Glenwood High School Interact club or to involve us in any community projects or events coming up, please contact me on 071 542 4951,” concluded Lihle.

Junior & Senior Primary February

Gia Kalpee

Durban Girls’ College

life is like a game of chess

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THE SPAR Star for Durban Girls’ College is chess prodigy Gia Kalpee. The Grade Seven learner was selected to compete in the South African Junior Chess Championships (SAJCC) from December 3 to December 12, 2022. Gia won five out of seven games and was placed third in the SAJCC U12 Team Event.

Gia says her family and friends are very supportive. “When I competed in last year’s competition, my family was really happy and proud of what I had achieved.”

She was also selected for the U12 Girls’ South African Chess Championships Closed Event in April 2023.

Gia says she’s training hard for the upcoming competition. “I feel a bit nervous about the upcoming competition, but I’m also excited, and I’m training very hard for it.”

The Grade Seven learner says she started playing chess at home before competing professionally. “I started playing chess at home when I was very young. I used to play with my brother, and he was the one who inspired me to get into competitive chess playing last year.”

She says she’s always loved playing chess. “I love how chess relates to real life. Life is like one big game of chess, and chess is something that I’ve just always loved playing.”

The chess star is also very active outside of playing chess. “Outside of chess, I like other sporting activities like squash and tennis, and school academics are also really important to me.”

Gia hopes to continue competing professionally and climb up the ranks as a chess champion.

Uyanda Schoeman

St James Private School

Drama queen Uyanda shines on stage

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THE SPAR Star for St James Private School is Grade Seven learner Uyanda Schoeman. Uyanda took part in the St James Speech and Drama Festival in October of 2022 and received an A+ in drama for her performance.

The 13-year-old performed a poem for attendees. “I performed a poem about shadows. It went really well – the audience really seemed to enjoy my performance, and the best part of it was that I got an A+ in drama for my performance.”

She says drama allows her to express herself. “I have always loved drama as a subject, and it’s perfect for me because my family always used to tell me that I was dramatic and I should use my confidence for positive things. That’s why I think I do so well in drama. Drama allows me to bring out a different part of myself, and I can be as dramatic as I want to be.”

The Grade Seven learner says her teachers were impressed by her performance. “My teachers were at the performance, and when I got off of the stage, they congratulated me and said they were very proud of me – they were very happy for me.”

Uyanda says her mother is her biggest supporter. “My mom is my biggest supporter – she always told me to be myself and to be kind to other people, and to do my best and never compare myself to others.”

Outside of drama and performing, Uyanda loves to dance in her free time. She says she will be performing in the next speech and drama festival coming up in October, and when she gets older, she would like to be a female CEO.

High School February

Asande Sibisi

Open Air School

Asande surfs for South Africa

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TALENTED surfer Asande Sibisi, a Grade 12 learner from Open Air School, is the SPAR Star of the Month. He competed in the 2022 ISA World Para Surfing Championships at Prismo Beach in California from December 4 to December 11 last year. The youngster, who has been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), wears specialised glasses to improve his vision.

 

Commenting on the competition abroad, Asande said, “I was scared before the first round, but I had my coaches and teammates who helped to calm my nerves – then I felt better and ready to hit the waves.”

Asande placed 11th in his para-surfing division and says that his teammates also performed very well.

“As a team, we managed to obtain 5th place out of 28 countries. And three of my teammates were able to bring medals home.”

 

Following after this victory, Asande has big plans for this year.

“My goal in 2023 is to take all the experience I gained from the World Championships and apply it when surfing so that I can improve my surfing skills and take them to another level.”

 

He encourages other youth to take up surfing without fear.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of – surfing is about having fun, and it also teaches more about life’s challenges. And also, if you follow your passion, it will eventually lead to success,” he said.

 

The talented youngster has made waves in the sport since he took up surfing in 2021 through Made for More, a non-profit organisation that aims to empower people with disabilities through sport.

Danya Thompson

Durban Girls’ High

Danya hits the mark

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ACCOMPLISHED archer Danya Thompson from Durban Girls’ High School is the SPAR Star of the month. She was recently presented with her Protea Blazer for archery before jetting off to the United Kingdom to represent her country at the World Championships with the South Africa National Indoor and Field Archery Association (SANIFAA) this month.

This is not a first for Danya – she ‘hit the bull’s eye’ when she attended the World Championships in New Zealand in 2019 and placed first in the U12 category. She took up the sport at just five years old, following in her parents’ footsteps.

“I got my cap last week, but you officially become a Protea archer when you shoot your first arrow at a tournament,” said Thompson.

The youngster trains every day for about 30 minutes to an hour.

“I generally shoot 30 to 60 arrows – 60 arrows is the equivalent to one competition. I usually practise at home, outdoors. With indoor archery, arrows are much thicker. Outdoor arrows will be thinner because the thickness and weight of the arrow will be affected by the wind,” she said.

Thompson explained that there are two types of bows that are primarily used in competitive archery: The recurve (or Olympic) bow, which is made of metal and composites, and the compound bow, which is much more compact and uses cams and other mechanisms to improve accuracy. Scoring differs according to each bow. Thompson currently uses a compound bow.

“When I started out, I was using a standard bow which is basically the same as a recurve bow, but it doesn’t have as much of a stabiliser. With a recurve bow, the draw length is not always precise, and the way you aim differs. Everyone will tell you a compound bow is easier, but I think it’s harder because scores increase dramatically, and there are higher ranges. Recurve, I will admit, is difficult – it’s much harder to make it in the sport with a recurve bow, but the compound bow also comes with difficulties. It depends who you ask. There are a lot of jokes and memes going around about that in the archery community,” she said.

Kayla Tully

St Henry’s Marist

Kayla swims for charity

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ST HENRY’S Marist College Grade 12 learner Kayla Tully is the SPAR Star of the Month. Not only is she the swimming captain at her school, Kayla recently swam her sixth aQuellé Midmar Mile and raised more than R4 200 for charity.

With each aQuelle Midmar Mile she has swum, Kayla has raised funds for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa. This year, Kayla completed the 1.6km open-water swim in 35 minutes.

Kayla swims throughout the week – she swims for Tridan Swimming Club on Mondays and takes part in school galas on Wednesdays. She also swims on her school’s swimming squad on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kayla swims between 3–5 km per training session to complete her weekly set.

Training sessions in the pool differ to an open-water swim like the aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“In the pool, you can pace yourself better. If you are swimming 200m, you can pace yourself over those eight laps, for example. In an open-water swim, you can’t really pace yourself because you always have people around you,” she explained.

Kayla took up swimming as a Grade One learner and she hasn’t looked back since. She has won numerous awards at her school’s interhouse galas.

“I have won trophies every year for medley, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle,” she said.

The talented swimmer is hoping to continue swimming throughout her matric year and maybe even after school.

Khensani Mkonto

Holy Family College

Khensani promotes peace

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GRADE Nine learner from Holy Family College Khensani Mkonto is the SPAR Star of the Month. Khensani is involved in the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP), an international organisation with branches across the world, including Africa, UK, US and Australia.

“They are even working with some people in the United Nations. It’s more or less a project to help people learn how to be less violent. It started in prisons, to help prisoners who wanted to go out and live a better life – because, if you want to go back into society, you need to be peaceful,” explained Khensani.

The Alternative to Violence Project hosts workshops to facilitate non-violent responses to everyday life.

“In the workshops, it’s not just talking; they do lots of fun activities that help you remember the fundamentals of non-violence. Not everything is going to end peacefully, and the Alternative to Violence Project has highlighted that, but they want to make it so you can always be your best self and go further in life, whether through avoiding physical violence or just general arguments,” said Khensani.

She has one more course to complete before she can become an AVP facilitator – a goal she hopes to achieve by the end of the year.

“Currently I am still a student, but I want to become a facilitator because there is no age restriction for that,” said Khensani.

When she is not working toward her AVP goal, Khensani thrives in the classroom – last year, she won a bronze medal at her school’s science expo.

Thank you for voting for your SPAR Superstar and for giving them a chance to win a SPAR Voucher

Voting for the third quarterly winners closes on November 09 2023. One junior/senior primary winner and one high school winner will be chosen based on the number of votes. Maximum of one vote per person. Look out for the SPAR Superstar winners in the Berea Mail November 24 edition.

 

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