Spar Superstars HWM 2026

WESTVILLE Junior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month is Kelsey Govender. The Grade Two learner participated in an Irish Dance Competition at Pinetown Girls High School recently.

Kelsey is in the ungraded category and participated in five dances. She received two gold ribbons, two silver ribbons and one bronze ribbon. “She was an absolute star,” said the school.

WESTVILLE Senior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month is Banele Mahaye.

Banele was chosen after he recently competed in the SA Level 2 Swimming Championships, where he delivered an outstanding performance in his age group.

He claimed first place in the 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 200m freestyle and 200m breaststroke events. He also earned second place in the 50m breaststroke and 200m individual medley, as well as fourth place in the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle. Adding to his success, Banele achieved seven personal best times at the competition.

He has his sights set on becoming the Swimming Captain for his house team next year, and on dominating at the school’s 2027 Championship Gala.

Banele joined Top Squads Swimming Academy in February this year. His coach, Candice McKenzie, who represented SA internationally during her competitive swimming career, described Banele as an absolute pleasure to coach.

“He is disciplined, hardworking and eager to listen carefully to every piece of advice on his technique.”
In the classroom, Banele’s Grade Five educator, Chanelle Szabo, described him as a friendly, confident and committed learner.

“Banele enjoys computer and history lessons and has shown impressive creative writing ability.”

Beyond swimming, Banele participates in golf, squash and water polo, all of which are offered as extra-curricular activities at Westville Senior Primary.

HIGHWAY College’s SPAR Star of the Month, Nikiesha Naiker, took part in a Road Safety Competition hosted by eThekwini Transport Authority and SA Road Federation with over 70 schools participating this year.

The Grade Three learner entered Category 1, where she had to write her own poem about Road Safety. She received a certificate of participation at the awards event held at the Durban ICC early this month.

The learners that took part in the competition were also spoilt with breakfast and lunch at the awards. “The competition provided learners with a valuable opportunity to learn, share ideas and promote safe behaviour on our roads. The event was both educational and enjoyable, giving learners the chance to express their creativity and speak out about the importance of road safety,” said Highway College educator Natalie Godwin.

LUSELUHLE ‘Luse’ Mdletshe has been chosen as St Benedict School’s SPAR Star of the Month.

The Grade Three learner joined Pinetown JKA Karate Dojo in 2021 and has earned his blue belt.

Luse recently represented the JKA (Karate) KZN team at the SA JKA National Championships at the Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena in Johannesburg.

He represented KZN in Junior Novice Boys Blue (eight years) Kata and Kumite. Luse obtained bronze medals for both his competitions and was awarded his SA JKA National colours.

MILA Resca is Kloof Senior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month.
The school described Mila as a learner who upholds the virtues of KSP.

“She is helpful and compassionate, showing real care for her fellow learners and teachers. She is Head Caterer of our catering team, and has proved herself to be reliable and dedicated, and always pleasant to be around.”

Through her catering duties, the Grade Seven learner has spent many hours in service to the school.

“She puts her best efforts in everything she does, and we are proud of her conduct as a representative of the school,” said the school marketer Kerry Carter.

Lyndhurst Primary School’s SPAR Superstar for June is Lubabalo Vilakazi, a Grade Six learner who enjoys exploring new ideas and tackling challenges with confidence.

“She shows great perseverance during practical activities and is developing strong computational thinking skills. Her eagerness to learn is a wonderful example to her peers. This learner is selected for Coding and Robotics,” said the school.

ST Mary’s DSG, Kloof, nominated Peyton Duncan as their SPAR Star of the Month.

Peyton’s dedication and talent on the hockey field have earned her outstanding provincial recognition this year. The Grade Eight learner was selected for both the KZN Coastals U14A Outdoor Hockey Team and the KZN U14A Hockey 5s Team, an exceptional achievement, especially as these teams were chosen from a highly competitive pool of players across KZN.

Sports administrator Pam Daniel said Peyton is a highly deserving recipient of this award. “Her work ethic, determination, and passion for the game continue to set her apart, and her achievements are a true reflection of her pursuit of excellence.”

Beyond hockey, Peyton is a valued member of the U14A Netball Team and an enthusiastic participant in the school’s marimba programme.
“She manages to balance her sporting and cultural commitments with positivity and grace, always demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and a strong team spirit,” said Daniel.

WATERFALL College’s SPAR Superstar for June is Abigal Rendilhero, a Grade 10 student “who has truly danced her way into our hearts”.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Abigal first stepped into the world of dance through ballet. However, it didn’t take long for her to discover where her true passion lay. At just five years old, she swapped ballet shoes for hip hop and has never looked back.

Today, Abigal is a Gold Level dancer, excelling in an impressive range of styles, including hip hop, modern, jazz, theatrical, cabaret, commercial, Latin and ballroom. Her dedication, talent and love for dance shines through every performance.

When asked about her favourite dance style, Abigal said: “Hip hop is my favourite because it allows me to express myself and have fun.”
It is this enthusiasm and passion that makes her such an inspiring young performer.

“Dance is clearly in her blood and we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved. We look forward to watching her continue to grow and inspire others through her love of dance,” said the school.

HIGHWAY Mail SPAR Superstar 2025 winner Bradley Leppan has not taken any time to rest in 2026. Instead, he has hit the road – and the water – with renewed passion and enthusiasm, raking in the medals and officially qualifying for the SA Championships in Biathle, Triathle, and the Laser Run which will take place at the Aquapark in Pietermaritzburg in the first week of July.

Competing at the internationally recognised modern pentathlon (UIPM) KZN Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run events in late May, Bradley won first place in all three disciplines in the U17 age group, securing qualifying times for Laser Run for the SA Championships, and for both SA Champs and World Championships for Biathle and Triathle.

“Bradley is someone who takes competition to the next level,” said head of sports at Hillcrest High School, Patrick Windsor. “He does not only compete against other competitors, many of whom are much older than he is, he also competes against himself, working to better his own times. In the SA Junior Championships, he beat seven of his personal bests and won silver in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay.”

In March, after competing in the SA Open Water Championships in Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, which included a 3km Sprint Knockout and a 3km Open Water Swim, Bradley travelled to Gauteng to compete in the All-African Triathlon Championships in Benoni the very next day. He placed in the top 10 after completing a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

After only eight months of competing in triathlons, Bradley competed in the Africa Cup and SA Championship Triathlon Premium Cup in Mossel Bay in April, placing fourth in the SA Champs, seventh in the All-African tournament and achieving 17th place in Junior Elites (across Africa) in the 16-17 and 16-19 age group categories. The triathlon events included a 750m swim, a 20km cycle, finishing off with a 5km run.

Bradley has continued to commit to his schoolwork and his school sports during this time, showcasing his determination and resilience.