Spar Superstars BRM 2026

ZACHARY Sithambaram, 13, from St Henry’s College participated in the SA team at the International Mathematics and Science Olympiad in Indonesia this month.
The seventh grader achieved a bronze medal.
The SA Maths Team also achieved wonderful results, with five of the nine participants bringing home bronze medals.
The competition included activities where the children met contestants from all over the world who share their love of mathematics and science.

SHINING star Lily Bowes earned a diamond certificate for vocal and voice during the recent eThekwini Eisteddfod 2026.
The Durban Girls’ College all-rounder is not only a singing sensation but she also excels in sports. The 8-year-old said she also enjoyed dancing, mostly ballet prompting her future ambitions of being a scientist and a ballerina.
Lily is in the school’s 1st Team in swimming, netball and hockey. This year she completed the Midmar Mile in 52 minutes, and she has also shown interest in an array of extra-curricular activities offered at the school.
The school shared that Lily epitomises the school values, not only by participating in cultural music but by also being committed in all areas offered at the school including academics. “It is fantastic that at such a young age Lily is so committed to different activities, shaping her discipline for life,” said the school.

BRIAN Frankson of Manor Gardens Primary placed first in the Grade Four and Five categories during the 10th Beyond Maths Competition hosted recently at Glenwood Preparatory School.
Frankson rose through the ranks as the competition kicked off in June, with 9000 learners from across KZN taking part in Round 1. Following the first round, 395 pupils qualified for Round 2, competing for a place among the top 100.

A Grade Six all-rounder at Saint Theresa’s Roman Catholic Primary School is proving what can be achieved through determination and perseverance.
Eliyah Rose excels in academics, arts, sport, and leadership, while always remaining humble and kind. With outstanding manners and a caring, positive attitude, Eliyah is a true role model.
On the athletics track, Eliyah is a force to be reckoned with. After winning every race at school level, she recently represented KZN at the SA Christian Schools track meet. She competed in the 80m event and advanced to the finals.
Eliyah trains daily and constantly strives to be the best version of herself. “As a school, we are incredibly proud of her achievements and the way she carries the name of the school with such pride. With her talent, hard work, and determined spirit, Eliyah Rose is a name that we believe we will one day see on the Olympic stage,” shared the school.

PATIENCE and resilience have seen one St James Primary School learner through her glittering chess journey.
Sina Wolde’s most recent success came at the Westville Senior Primary Chess Tournament 2026, where she achieved a second place finish.
“Sina is proving to be a young chess player with exceptional talent and focus. She has competed in four chess tournaments this year, finishing in the top three in three of them, which is an incredible achievement for such a young player. What makes Sina’s achievements particularly special are the commitment and perseverance she brings to the game. Chess requires patience, strategic thinking, concentration and the ability to remain calm under pressure – qualities Sina continues to demonstrate both on and off the chessboard.
“Her consistent results are a wonderful reflection of her hard work and growing talent, and we are incredibly proud to watch her develop into such a promising young chess player,” the school shared.

HER passion for rhythmic gymnastics has taken her to greater heights. Naluthando Mbelu is training to become a Level 1–3 Junior Coach, working towards coaching the junior elite team, and she has also qualified as a Level 1–3 Judge.
Now in Grade 10, her journey began with KZN colours in 2018, which she earned every year through individual competitions. In 2022, SA Gymnastics expanded its international representation to include group competition, and Naluthando was selected for the SA junior team from 2023 to 2025.
Naluthando was awarded her Protea Colours in 2024 after representing SA as part of the junior group team. She also received her Protea blazer that year, marking an incredible milestone in her gymnastics journey.
Her international journey includes the World Championships in Romania and Bulgaria in 2023, Africa Junior Championships in Rwanda, where the team placed second in 2024, and the World Championships in Bulgaria in 2025.
In 2026, Naluthando transitioned to the senior category and narrowly missed selection for the SA team at the March trials after placing second.
From athlete to coach and judge, Naluthando continues to grow and give back to the sport she loves.

A CLIFTON School Grade 11 pupil has been crowned national champion in public speaking. Mduduzi Thusi won the Persuasive Speaking and Interpretive Reading category at the National Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships at Bishops in Cape Town this month.
Mduduzi’s outstanding performance on the national stage also earned him selection as a reserve for the SA team travelling to Shanghai, China, for the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships from March 31 to April 7, 2027. The achievement places Mduduzi among the country’s top young public speakers and is a proud reflection of the depth of talent within Clifton College’s arts community.

MARIS Stella School star pupil Elihle Radebe can crunch numbers even in her sleep. The Grade 11 learner proved her prowess recently when she clinched a gold certificate in the Proverto Commerce National Olympiad. It took place over two days, with the final results landing her in the Top 50 nationally.
Radebe proved that she is a multi-talented superstar in 2024, when she was awarded her Junior Protea National Colours in Majorettes. In 2025 she earned her place in the SA National Majorette Team for the second time. She was awarded her Senior Protea National Colours on September 21.
She also represented SA at the Majorette-Sport World Federation World Championships in Poland Katowice from September 26-28.
She competed in the following displays: Mace Group, Mace Trio, Baton Classic and Baton Flag.
Radebe’s mother Thuladu Radebe welcomed her daughter’s performance. “We are extremely proud to share that South Africa finished second overall at the MWF World Championships, an achievement that
Elihle was privileged to be part of as a key member of the team.” she said.