Spar Superstars BRM 2026

BLESSING Mhunduru is living up to her name by being a blessing to her peers at Thekwini Private Primary School where she has earned huge respect from the other learners and school management.

The Grade Seven learner’s humility and kindness was recognised by the school management who described Blessing as being a kind-hearted young lady.

“Blessing is an above average learner in her academics and is also a kind-hearted girl who goes out of her way to assist other learners, especially the younger ones,” said the school management. “She is often seen kneeling down to tie shoe laces for Grade One learners.”

Her acts of kindness extend beyond her fellow learners as she sometimes volunteers to help tidy up a class and make sure everything is in place.

“At functions she helps maintain order by ushering people to be in their rightful places. She is always willing to assist teachers whenever they need a hand,” said the school management.

HER recent performance in the Midmar Mile has propelled Hope Jardine to aim for the top position in upcoming galas.

At 13, she completed the Midmar Mile in an impressive 32 minutes, beating her record from last year.

Apart from navigating the water, Hope is an exceptional netballer. “Netball is my second love, and it has been an exciting journey. I am working on making it to the school’s A-Team this year,” she added.

When she is not in competitive sports, Hope enjoys singing, as she has recently took part in a talent show, and is part of the choir.
In future, beyond schooling, her dream is to do something in psychology.

A Grade Seven learner at Morningside Primary School has already tackled two Midmar Mile events.

Leveshin Moodley, 12, was the only learner from the school who took part this year.
He was nominated as the Swimming Captain for the Buxton House student residence. He attributes his upward progress to diligence.

He has completed the Capital K Open Water Swim twice, and is the U12 breaststroke record holder at the school. Under his belt he boasts a Westville Gala victory.

A REMARKABLE first century for Grade Seven Penzance Primary School learner Nathan Webber earned the young cricketer huge recognition at the crease.

Twelve-year-old Nathan scored 103 runs from 37 balls against Virginia Prep recently. “This is my first century ever, and I’d be really happy if it ever happens again,” said a smiling Nathan.

The rising star began his cricketing career when he signed for mini cricket in Grade One. Nathan has not looked back since and has been hitting one milestone after another.

He is also an accomplished squash player. “I represented KZN in 2024 and 2025. I hope to qualify again this year,” said Nathan.

However his passion is cricket. “It always feels exciting when you’re having a good batting innings. I knew I was performing well, but I didn’t know I’d scored so high until our team captain, Gian, made a comment, but I didn’t actually hear what he said. So I was over the moon when I found out I’d made a century,” said Nathan.

SPRINTER of note, Nompumelelo Gnana is collecting all sorts of medals in her age group, having come first in both 100m and 200m in interschool competitions in February.

Her name means ‘mother of success’ and she has been running since she was in Grade 3. Now in Grade Seven at Morningside Primary School, Nompumelelo draws inspiration from Olympian Usain Bolt and national record holder Viwe Jingqi.

“I see myself in the Olympics one day, that is my dream, that’s why I plan not to stop running,” she said.

Captain Gnana has qualified for the District Championships for the 100m and 200m. In 2024 she qualified for the SA Championships in North West province, and “did very well”. Last year she received bronze and silver in the KZN Championships in both distances.

Apart from chasing the wind, Gnana is a footballer of note, having led her school team to victory with her four goals last year. She has also had a stint in volleyball, cricket and hockey.

Academically, Nompumelelo has always been an A-student and her collection of trophies testifies to that.

“What I love about running is the freedom it brings, all the noise from the world just cuts out,” she shared.
About winning, she believes one should never give up on their dreams, they should take risks and be courageous.

OMUHLE Khoza of Glenmore Primary School is running towards a successful career in athletics.

The Grade Seven learner has been selected to be part of the Umlazi District team following his success at the trials where he ran a distance of 1200m. Omuhle, who also plays soccer, touch rugby, and basketball, is definitely not short on talent.

The young athlete said he was encouraged to join athletics by family. “I ran around a lot in the house, and they encouraged me to join,” said Omuhle.

While on the running tracks of Glenmore Primary, he found his love for long distance running. “I have a lot of energy and love running. Doing athletics is my favourite, when it comes to all the sports that I do,” said Omuhle.

Apart from excelling on various sports fields, Omuhle also excels in class. “I do very well in mathematics, EMS and in all my subjects. The skills that I have learnt through sports have helped in class,” said Omuhle.

Zanitha Khamanga is basking in joy after recently being crowned as the top swimmer in the U13 age group at the Gordon Road Girls’ School Championship Gala.

The Grade Seven learner says swimming, unlike other team sports, gives her time to focus, and she only has to strategise by herself.

Her participation in the Midmar Mile this year yielded an improved race time, and she is proud of the achievement. It was her second feature in the event.

She is a Level One swimmer, having started swimming competitively in 2024, and has already stacked multiple trophies and medals.

She admits that swimming is something that she will give her best to while she’s young because as she grows older she has ambitions of being a neurosurgeon. She also plays hockey and a bit of netball, and plans to dive into water polo next year.

She balances school and books by studying for three hours daily after school and swimming five days a week.

OPEN Air School learner Langelihle ‘Shark Tail’ Mthembu is making waves in the world of swimming where he has earned the nickname ‘Shark Tail’.

Having only joined the school swimming team last year, the Grade Nine learner was selected to swim in the Umlazi District Trials where he earned a third position finish and a spot in their para swimming team. Not stopping there, Langelihle’s podium finish also took him to the KZN swimming trials in Pietermaritzburg last weekend.

IT’S not every day that a 14-year-old jets off to Jamaica, but for one Grade Eight learner at George Campbell School of Technology, it is a reality.

Mahan Lilruthan, a determined karateka, has been selected to represent South Africa at next year’s World Championships in Jamaica.

The young man only delved into the sport in 2024, and already his medal collection is swelling. He has received gold, silver, and bronze medals in both Kumite and Kata.
He highlights that he was not always a sporty person until he picked up a flyer back in primary school, promoting karate lessons. He enrolled and has never looked back.

“Karate gives me adrenaline, and winning prizes is another silver streak,” he said.
He has smashed the belts ladder, from a humble white until Red 2. He believes by the time he jets to Jamaica, he will be on a brown belt. His weekly training is sure to deliver that wish, he added.

For his karate excellence, Mahan was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2024 and 2025.
“My success is not just my doing. I am grateful for the support, encouragement and positive pressure I receive from my parents, sensei and my school.” Mahan shared.
The future? He is taking the ride as it comes, and will see where it takes him.

THE newly-appointed Deputy Head at Durban Girls’ Secondary School, Nomalanga Mchunu, believes sacrifice and putting in extra hours in one’s studies is the key to success.
She is in Grade 12, and has received her full blazer for excellence in academics since 2025.
The 17-year-old says this recognition is a testament to her discipline and focus.
“Being the only one receiving the full blazer is a true honour. It was not always easy; I met some challenges, but I rose above them.
“I was not always an A student. My focus shifted when I reached Grade 10. After receiving a lot of advice, I pulled up my socks and reshaped my attitude towards my studies,” Mchunu said.
Among the strong values she attaches to studies is perseverance. “If you know what you want, difficulties along the way can be overcome.”
She admits that the workload has gotten bigger, but with her focus, she is certain that she will come out a winner.
Nomalanga is decorated with at least five badges, including two for being a class representative in 2023 and 2026, one for being a member of the school’s entrepreneurship club, and the most important one for achieving five subject distinctions in Grade 11.
She shares her advice to her peers, “The sacrifice is worth it at the end, ensure you bring extra effort. We are above challenges and distractions. This will see you getting closer to your dream career. We can do this.”
Come 2027, Nomalanga has her ducks in a row. She has the University of Pretoria as her first option, and UCT as her second, where she hopes to study B.Com Accounting. “It is very possible for me to get there. I took it upon myself to work even harder this year. I will achieve great marks,” she said.