Spar Superstars NGN 2026

VIRGINIA Preparatory School learner Chloe Weller excels both in the classroom and on the sports field.

As someone who has maintained an 80% aggregate since Grade Four, the 11-year-old is also involved in swimming, netball (outdoor and indoor), hockey (indoor and outdoor), water polo, athletics and six touch rugby.

Last year she represented the U12 KZNA hockey team at the Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) that won gold at the tournament.
She followed that up by representing the outdoor hockey Rebels team in Durban Premier Hockey League (DPL) that won gold.

The Grade Six learner also won player of the tournament there and player of the tournament in the Pro-Series Indoor hockey competition representing the Panthers.

“I feel my training and my mindset has changed this year which has motivated me to keep going. My goal is to make KZN hockey representation back to back and to have a successful school tour in Cape Town later this year for the hockey team,” she said.

A TALENTED all-rounder and leader Northlands Primary School learner Londwa Mbatha lets his actions speak on, and off the field.

The Grade Seven learner captains the school’s first rugby team as well as the school’s first team cricket side.

His sporting success extends beyond cricket and he also shines in hockey, highlighting his versatility and commitment across multiple codes.

Recently he led his team at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival and also on tour to St Stithians College in Johannesburg where the team won all four of their games.

If that wasn’t enough, in 2025, Londwa represented the Sharks Pups in a 7s tournament in Monaco, his first international tour.

“My journey in rugby started in the D team. I didn’t even have a gum guard in my first game but as time went on I improved in my position as eighth man/flank and I worked my way up eventually making it to the A team and leading them. That has helped me with my leadership qualities because I’ve found that being a good leader is not about being in control, it’s about working together and understanding your strengths,” he said.

Speaking on his 7s tour in Monaco, Londwa said it was an exciting experience and a step to his goal of one day playing rugby professionally.

“We played Georgia, Italy and Barbarians in the U12 age group but it was an amazing experience. Rugby is something I see in my future and this tour I feel also helped me get closer to my dream of playing rugby full time,” he said.

Londwa remains a humble and kind and with his strong character, positive attitude, and natural leadership, Londwa is undoubtedly a young athlete to watch.

Nine-year-old Jamie Dorfling, a Grade 3 learner at Glenashley Junior Primary, has warmed hearts with a selfless decision to celebrate her birthday by giving back instead of receiving gifts. Instead of hosting a party, Jamie chose to collect and donate dog food to support animals in need.

Jamie shared that this idea had been in her heart for a long time. “I thought about doing this two years ago. I’ve always wanted to do it, and I felt this year was the perfect time to do it for my birthday. I love dogs and pawprints so much,” she said.

A passionate animal lover, Jamie has two dogs named Pinnie and Maddison. Speaking about her love for animals, she said, “I am an animal lover. I had four dogs before, but I lost two.”

The donations were made to Pawprints Rescue Organisation, where Jamie contributed 200 kilograms of dog food along with R3 000 in cash.

She also acknowledged the role her family played in making the initiative a success. “My family helped me a lot, especially my granny and grandpa,” she said.

Encouraging other children to follow in her footsteps, Jamie said animals are important part of life.“Animals are important and you should take care of them and never leave them. They will also be able to love you back and protect you.”

A TALENTED young martial artist from Glenashley Preparatory School has been selected to represent South Africa at a prestigious karate championship.

Niam Vejrajh, who is this month’s SPAR Supertsar, has been chosen for the WUKF South Africa provincial team that will compete at the 2026 WUKF SA National Karate Championships and Afro-Asia Open.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Boardwalk Hotel and International Convention Centre in Gqeberha from April 29 to May 3.

The Grade 6 learner began his karate journey at just four years old. He currently trains twice a week at the Wembley Dojo, where he continues to hone his skills.

“I’m really excited to represent my province and compete at such a big championship. I’ve been working hard in training, and I’m proud to have this opportunity.”

Last year, he competed in the Association of Shotokan Karate-Do South Africa – International Shotokan Karate Federation of South Africa 18th Annual Inter-Club Challenge, where he secured silver medals in both kumite and kata, along with a bronze in team kata.

Niam also showcased his talent at the World Union of Karate-Do Federation of South Africa (WUKFSA) KZN Championships, held at the Tongaat Sport Centre in February. Competing in three events, he delivered a strong performance, earning a silver medal in bo-kata and bronze medals in both kata and kumite.

GRADE 7 pupil Tatum Stanton has emerged as a standout learner and leader at Chelsea Preparatory School, achieving top position in her class for Term 1 and maintaining consistent academic merit (above 80%) throughout Grade 6.

Her achievements extend beyond the classroom. Tatum was recently elected Chairperson of the school’s Executive Council for 2026, a leadership body representing pupils and Grade 7 service teams in bi-termly meetings focused on school concerns and community projects. Her appointment followed a leadership camp attended by service team leaders, where candidates were nominated and voted into council roles.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be chosen as Chairperson. I’m excited to represent my peers and help make a positive difference at our school this year,” she said.

Tatum also leads the school’s Sports Service Team, playing a key role in supporting sporting events and fostering participation among pupils. She is actively involved in school sport, earning places in both indoor and outdoor netball first teams in 2026, after representing U12A netball and U13B hockey teams in 2025.

Her involvement in cultural activities includes choir participation and competing in a speech and drama festival, while outside of school she is developing her musical skills through piano lessons.

“I always try to give my best, whether it’s in class, on the sports field, or working with others,” she added. “It’s important to me to stay positive and support the people around me.”

WITH a goal to represent her country at the 2032 Olympic games, Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School learner Ava Moore is well on her way to achieving that dream.

The Grade 12 learner competes in three different sporting codes and has competed at both provincial and national championships in them.

The 17-year-old competes in triathlon, duathlon and cross-country and last year represented South Africa at the Duathlon World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

Ava finished eighth in the world and achieved a personal best time.

This year her focus has been on competing in the Africa Cup and SA Championships for triathlon in the U19 age category.

She placed seventh in Joburg and fourth in Namibia for the Africa Cup and then at the SA Champs (representing KZN) she placed 10th in the event at Mossel Bay.

“The Duathlon World Champs was an amazing experience, I loved competing against athletes from other countries. It really gives you a sense of your strengths as well,” she said.

At this year’s Africa Cup and SA Championships, Ava was recovering from a stress-fracture injury she sustained in a soccer game.

“Namibia was my best race. I hadn’t run much since my injury but I built up strength through the season and I was focused on doing my best which I feel I did across the three events,” she said.

Outside of triathlons, Ava is the vice-captain of her school’s soccer team and the vice captain of the school’s cross country team.

NORTHLANDS Girls’ High School’s Nandipha Shabalala uses her voice to bring others joy.

Coming from a musically talented family the Grade 12 learner hopes to one day make a career in the music world.

As a talented operatic vocalist she has been selected to sing at numerous school events which has brought her compliments and praise from those who’ve heard her voice.

“I come from a musically talented family. Everyone in my family can sing and when I joined the choir, I really honed and improved my talent. They have always been very supportive which has spurred me on to dream big,” she said.

Currently her musical playlist goes from classical to baroque to contemporary.

She added her musical taste is influenced by different genres.

Her favourite piece is Handel’s Tornami a vagheggiar.

Outside of music Nandipha hopes to pursue a career in nursing with a goal to one day sing.

“My uncle, Njabulo Myeni, is someone I look up to. He went to the same high school I went to before Northlands. He pursued music as a career at UKZN and is currently singing in London for The Lion King. The end goal for me is to perform in theatres where Kings and Queens watch people perform,” she said.

A Crawford International La Lucia matric learner is balancing the pressures of her final school year with excelling on the provincial sports stage.

Banathi Khubone is this month’s SPAR Superstar who recently served as vice-captain of the KwaZulu-Natal U19 Action Netball team; a role she describes as both an honour and a significant responsibility.

“Serving as vice-captain was a great honour. It meant being a role model to my teammates, supporting our captain and helping maintain a positive and focused environment,” said Khubone.

She added that the experience sharpened her leadership abilities, teaching her the importance of communication, leading by example and remaining composed under pressure.

One of her standout moments came during a high-intensity match against Western Province in the 7-a-side bronze final.

“The intensity of the match, combined with the teamwork and determination from every player, made it incredibly memorable. It showed how we could come together and work towards a common goal, even in a loud and challenging environment,” she said.

Being part of the provincial setup has also contributed to her personal growth.

“On the court, it has improved my skills and discipline. Off the court, it has taught me life skills like time management, accountability and teamwork. It has also helped me build confidence,” she said.

Despite her demanding training and competition schedule, Khubone remains focused on her academics as a matric learner.

“Managing my studies while competing at a provincial level requires careful planning and discipline. I create a structured schedule that allows time for both academics and training, and I rely on the support of my coaches, teachers and family,” she said.