Spar Superstars BRM 2026

Alessandra’s dance journey reaches global heights

AT just 11 years old, Port Natal School Grade Five learner Alessandra Bell is already carving out an impressive path in dance, with dreams of one day turning her passion into a career.

Her dancing has taken her from Durban to international stages, where she has showcased her abilities in Hip Hop, Commercial, Amapiano, Contemporary and Street Dance.

One of the highlights of Alessandra’s dance journey came this year when she was awarded her Protea Colours for Dance.

Her biggest milestone yet was being selected to represent SA at the UDO World Championships in the UK this year as part of Team SA.

As a member of the Street Dance Association, Alessandra said it was “an unforgettable experience” to perform alongside dancers from more than 50 countries.

Embracing her experiences, Alessandra said dance has taught her much more than choreography and how to balance her workload.

“Balancing school and dance is not always easy, but it has helped me to develop discipline, confidence, commitment, teamwork, perseverance and courage.

“Success doesn’t happen overnight and that every rehearsal, competition and performance is another opportunity to grow.”

Her next opportunity is an audition at Sibaya Casino for “MJ Goes to Bollywood”, where she hopes to showcase her talent and gain another valuable experience in the performing arts.

DURBAN Preparatory High School shares their immense pride over the achievements of their badminton superstar. Kai-Ruei Lien, a Grade Six learner, is climbing to the top.

In February, Kai-Ruei was selected for the SA U13 Badminton squad, He also regularly competes above his age group, taking on the U15 and U17 divisions with remarkable maturity, courage and composure.
Representing the KZN U13A Team at the SA U13 National Championships, Kai-Ruei achieved bronze medals in the Boys’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles, and a National Grading – No. 4 in SA.

EDEN College’s Tejal Dassaye has earned a Top Achiever Award and trophy at the KZN Regional Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Championship at Highbury Preparatory School recently.
With 180 children competing, the 12-year-old Tejal put her abacus and mental arithmetic skills to the test, completing three Soroban (Japanese Abacus) papers and one Anzan (Mental Maths) paper, each just three minutes long!
This achievement reflected the hard work, dedication and consistent practise that she has put into her Abagility Maths Club programme.
Preparing for a championship requires concentration, discipline, perseverance and the determination to keep improving, even when things get challenging.
Eden College shared, “We are incredibly proud of Tejal and the effort she has put into her mathematical journey. Her Top Achiever trophy is a wonderful recognition of her commitment and the progress she has made. Tejal, keep believing in yourself, challenging yourself and reaching for new goals. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next.”

GRADE Six Clifton Preparatory High School star Yusuf Ballim has been selected to attend a maths and science Olympiad in Indonesia at the end of September and beginning of October.
“What a wonderful tribute to this fine young student, who always gives of his best,” said the school.
Top-performing participants in the regional Beyond Maths Competition (held annually in KZN) earn invitations to represent SA at the International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO).
The competition is a prominent non-routine problem-solving maths challenge for primary school learners (Grades Three to Seven), organised locally with regional second rounds. Top achievers (such as top five placings) qualify for international representation.
“Our entire school community wishes him safe travels as he flies both the Clifton and the South African flags high at this gathering of the great young maths minds of our time,” the school shared.

MARIS Stella School water polo player Amy Aaron is enjoying a standout year, representing SA at the World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships in Tenerife, Spain, and recently being selected as the school’s 2027 Deputy Head Girl.

Amy was one of 14 players selected to represent SA at the international tournament and the only player from KZN to make the squad.

The tournament concluded with Australia crowned champions, while SA finished 18th overall. Amy made her mark by finishing as the country’s second-highest goalscorer.

Her performance against some of the world’s top young water polo players highlights her growing talent and ability to compete at an international level, despite playing in an U18 tournament.

The achievement adds to an impressive year for Amy , who has now also been chosen to serve as Maris Stella School’s Deputy Head Girl for 2027.

Her selection for the leadership position recognises qualities beyond the pool, with her sporting commitment, discipline and dedication complementing her role as a senior learner at the school.

“We are oh-so-incredibly proud of Amy Aaron, for being selected for the South African U18 Women’s Water Polo Team. This is such an incredibly outstanding achievement that reflects her passion for the sport,” said the school management.

GRADE Eight learner Husna Dhooma is set to represent KZN at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg, marking a proud achievement for Orient Islamic School (OIS).
Husna’s project, “Grey Water Gold Mine,” explores what happens to the water we use in our daily lives and asks an important question: instead of allowing wastewater to go to waste, can we recycle and reuse it?
Her project explores how wastewater can be reused. Her system collects used water and directs it through a subsurface irritation system, where it is filtered and distributed to provide water for plants.
The idea is driven by Husna’s passion for working with water and keeping the environment safe. Through her project, she hopes to reduce water wastage, support plant growth, protect the environment and contribute towards food security.
At just 12 years old, she won third place in a regional recycling competition. Her continued curiosity and passion for finding solutions have now taken her to the international stage.
“This means a lot to me. I am very proud to represent OIS,” said Husna. Her favourite subject is Natural Science, and she hopes to pursue a future as an entrepreneur, with an interest in chemical engineering.
Husna acknowledged the important role played by her parents, particularly in supporting her research and being part of the journey behind the project.
For OIS, Husna’s achievement is a significant milestone.

HOLY Family College footballer Slindokuhle Xulu is making his mark on the field, captaining the school’s U15 team while also earning opportunities to play at first-team level.

The talented Grade Nine player recently represented the Durban Schools Football team at the Inter District Tournament in Johannesburg, giving him the opportunity to test himself against some of the best young footballers from other districts.

“I enjoy playing soccer, and I started playing at a young age. I don’t see myself stopping soon.”

Durban Schools Football coach and Holy Family College soccer director Stef Crasso said Xulu’s dual role as U15 captain and first-team player highlights his growing influence within the school’s football setup.

“His selection for the Durban Schools Football team is another milestone in his young football career and provides valuable experience at a higher level of competition,” said a proud Crasso.

Playing for both the U15 and first teams, Xulu continues to develop his skills while taking on greater responsibility on the field.

His appearance at the Inter District Tournament in Johannesburg also gave him the chance to represent Durban Schools Football on a national platform. Xulu said the skills that he earned on the field are transferable off the pitch.

“The discipline and teamwork that I learned from playing soccer are what help me to balance my schoolwork. I am able to manage both very well.”

His mother Phumzile said, “For us, that balance is important. We are immensely proud of what he is achieving in football, but we are equally proud of the grounded, kind and responsible young man he is becoming.”

Going forward, Xulu said one day he hopes to play soccer professionally.

GRADE 12 pupil and First Team Hockey captain at Durban Girls’ College, Asanele Zuma, is making big moves.
She has been selected for the SA U21 Women’s Training Squad as preparations begin for the 2027 Junior Africa Cup.
The Junior Africa Cup is an important step on the international stage, serving as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.
“What a wonderful achievement! Well done, Asanele, your College family is incredibly proud of you,” the school shared.