Spar Superstars HWM 2026

WESTVILLE Junior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month is swimming champ Bayabonga Mahaye.

Bayabonga won all four of his races in the U9 category at the KZNCSSA North Durban Zone Gala at St Mary’s.

The Grade Three learner broke records in freestyle – 17.13s, breastroke – 24.00s, and butterfly with a time of 19.20s.

“Well done Bayabonga on round two, butterfly record again and gold, announced Victor Ludorum,” said the school’s Samantha Marx.

CONNOR Bowker is Kloof Senior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month.

The Grade Seven learner has proven himself a stand-out in sports, as demonstrated by the various student-leadership positions he holds.

This term he has been voted in as house Vice-Captain for Hendry, and appointed Swimming Vice-Captain and Cricket Vice-Captain.

He was also selected for PADSSA Swimming this term, and in 2025 was selected for KZN Athletics.

While he has excelled in sports, he has also demonstrated a passion for birding and a skill in the illustration of these birds.

He has been building his own collection of bird sketches and photographs, and is confident in identifying them.

His vast knowledge of and appreciation of the birdlife in South Africa is evident in the large variety of detailed illustrations he has been working on, and the school said it is glad to acknowledge someone who values wildlife and the natural world.

EMILY Greffrath is most happy when she is swimming. The Sarnia Primary School SPAR Star of the Month has made tremendous progress in her swimming and is known amongst her educators and peers as an incredibly hardworking learner and a kind, supportive friend.

This year she took part in the Midmar Mile and also earned her place on the PADSSA swimming team.

Emily said she loves swimming because it pushes her to her limit.

“I get motivated by my friends and family from my swimming club. The time I made the PADSSA team I felt very nervous but also very excited,” she said with a smile.

The Grade Six leaner said her favourite stroke is butterfly because she is good at it and it feels fast when she swims it.

“My role models are Tatjana Smith and Chad le Clos. I train six times a week to prepare if we have galas or if I swim open water.”

JAYDEN Hattingh, a Grade Four learner at Forest View Primary School, has been nominated for the SPAR Superstar competition for the heart and passion he has shown in “not only what he loves to do but all that he sets his mind on”.

Jayden was recently awarded with a unique badge, The Messenger of Peace Badge, for doing over 25 hours of community service / volunteer work.

He did community service at the Inanda Vet alongside Dr Gertruida Mentz, who described Jayden as an “enthusiastic young man with a keen interest in science and the natural world”.

Jayden is the first child and only second person in South Africa to receive the badge.

His mother, Samantha Lee Hattingh, said Jayden started volunteering at the vet after it was learned that his dog Coco has a rare autoimmune disease.

“He has assisted in the sterilisation of both female and male dogs, assisted in dental work, blood work and so much more. He also got bitten by a dog in the face, which we were told about before he started working there that there is always a possibility of being bitten when working with animals. He was such a trooper though, Dr Mentz and the rest of the staff cleaned the bite, calmed him down and patched him up; needless to say it didn’t scare him off and he was back at work the next day,” said Hattingh.

DEUTSCHE Schule Durban’s SPAR Star of the Month, Rebekka Paul, is proving herself as a rising star in both pool and open-water competitions, achieving outstanding results at regional and provincial events.

The Grade Six learner qualified for the PADSSA team after excelling at the Pinetown and District trials, performing strongly in every stroke. At the KZN trials, she finished in the top 10 in four of five races, with her best result being fourth in the 100m freestyle.

She also achieved Level 3 qualifying times as a registered swimmer, earning an invitation to a gala in Bloemfontein at the end of March.

Rebekka proved her endurance on the Saturday event of the Midmar Mile, competing in the 13-and-under category and finishing 85th overall out of 1695 swimmers and as the 35th female out of 821.

Closer to home, she was named Victrix Ludorum at the DSD Gala, and Top U12 Swimmer at the Hermannsburg Olympiade.

Adding to her record, Rebekka competed in the swimming leg of The Strive Challenge, finishing second in her category.

ST Benedict School’s SPAR Star of the Month shines for his kindness and thoughtful nature.

Although Sihe Hlatshwayo may not achieve the top marks in the class, he always works hard and approaches everything with a polite and positive attitude.

The Grade Two learner participates enthusiastically in everything that the school has to offer.

He is deeply considerate of others, often putting his friends’ feelings before his own and willingly sharing his toys to cheer someone up.

Younger children look up to him, as he naturally takes them under his wing and makes them feel included. He greets every educator with his big smile and takes pride in caring for his environment, often picking up litter around the school without being asked to.

His quiet acts of kindness make our school a better place every day.

TUSANI Mngadi, a Grade Seven learner from Lyndhurst Primary, has been nominated for the SPAR Superstar competition for producing “excellent work throughout the term”.

“She is conscientious, thoroughly reliable and shows a keen interest in all activities,” said the school.

Tusani was congratulated for her academic excellence “and on her absolute adherence at all times to what is expected of her”. “This is a report to be extremely proud of.”

HILLCREST High School is proud to celebrate one of its brightest sporting stars – Grade 10 learner Annabelle van Heerden. Annabelle consistently delivers exceptional performances in the pool and on the track, stacking up accolades at school and provincial level.

At this year’s Hillcrest High School Championship Gala, she set the bar as a standout performer, walking away with the Victrix Ludorum Trophy, the 100m Freestyle Girls’ Champion and 100m Individual Medley trophies. It was no surprise that she was crowned the U16 Girls’ Age Group Champion too – a remarkable all-round achievement at school level.

She continued to dominate outside of school, competing in the U16 age group at the KZN Provincial Trials for PADSSA and securing medals for placing second in the 100m backstroke and third in the 100m butterfly. During the recent KZNCSSA Championships at Glenwood Boys’ High School, Annabelle broke seven records and earned the highest individual points for the event, once again securing the Victrix Ludorum award.

Her results have earned her a place in the KZNCSSA Team that will participate at the SACSSA National Swimming Championships at the end of March.

Beyond swimming, her recent track record includes being selected to not only represent KZN at the 2026 SA Biathlon Championship in Oudtshoorn on March 20 and 21, but to do so as the Captain of the KZN Team.

THOMAS More College’s Spar Superstar for March is Makayla Ojo, who has been selected to represent SA in the Schools’ Water Polo U18 team.

Makayla will represent the country at the 2026 Australia Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane, Australia, from April 8-18.

“We wish Ojo the very best as you compete on the international stage, you make us incredibly proud,” the school said.

Makayla will be representing the country alongside her schoolmate Madison Beetge.

WESTVILLE Senior Primary School announced Maxine Clelland as the school’s SPAR Star of the Month.

The Grade Seven learner is described by her teachers as friendly, happy, respectful, reliable and kind. She is known for setting a positive example for her peers and consistently demonstrates an outstanding work ethic. Maxine takes immense pride in her work and successfully strives to balance her academic responsibilities with her sporting commitments.

A natural leader, Maxine serves as a school prefect and has earned the respect of her fellow learners, who voted her House Captain and House Swimming Captain. She was also selected as the Swimming Captain of the school’s A swimming team.

At the school’s Inter-House Swimming Gala last month, Maxine was awarded the Victrix Ludorum trophy for achieving the highest number of points among the Grade Seven girls.

Beyond the school level she was selected for the PADSSA swimming team and has also been selected to represent KZN in Nippers, a demanding lifesaving sport. She trains for Nippers every Sunday and recently competed at KZN level, representing her club, Marine.

She also participates in cross-country, water polo and hockey, where she is a member of the first team. She recently attended ward trials for hockey. In her free time, Maxine loves to surf with her friends.

Maxine said her role model is her mother, Debra, whom she describes as wonderful, loving, energetic and inspirational.

“I admire my mother’s passion and dedication. She tirelessly supports the education and extracurricular activities of mine and my two siblings while also working hard to raise awareness for deaf children in South Africa.”

TO celebrate Shreya Ballim’s exceptional achievements, leadership qualities, and her admirable character, Star College has chosen her as the SPAR Star of the Month.

The school’s marketing manager Sara Hayden said Shreya’s dedication to excellence is evident both inside and outside the classroom.

Recently, she received a bronze medal at the Eskom International Olympiad.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Hayden said Shreya is known for her helpful nature and her natural leadership qualities.

“She regularly serves as the Master of Ceremonies at various school functions, demonstrating confidence, poise, and excellent communication skills.”

Academically, Shreya is among the top three achievers in her grade.

“She also mentors junior learners, guiding them with patience and grace, and inspiring them to reach their full potential,” said Hayden.

In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Shreya is a valuable member of the Star Debate Team.