Spar School Stars 2021

Dylan is ‘n Graad 6 leerder by Suid-Natal Primêre Skool en ‘n man van vele talente. Die vurige veelsydige 12 jarige seun is ‘n dier en natuur liefhebber! Hy is ‘n groot ‘vang en los’ visserman en daar is nie ‘n vis wat hy nie kan uitken nie. Hy is tans besig om sy eie visdam in hulle tuin te bou. Dylan kamp graag en een van sy gunstelling tydverdrywe is om saam met sy vriende ‘n lyn nat te maak met ‘n lekker ‘marshmallow’ op die vuur. Dylan doen stemafrigting en speel van kleins af kitaar. Hou dop wêreld, hier is ‘n nuwe musiek orkes op pad wat die voete gaan laat beweeg! Dylan doen ook boks saam met ‘n professionele boksafrigter. Daar is geen stop aan die jong man nie en ons kan nie wag om te sien wat hy volgende aanpak nie!

Iwuvile Sawula is a Grade 2 learner at Port Shepstone Primary School. This seven-year-old has recently taken up swimming and is thoroughly enjoying learning new tricks in the water. Iwuvile is a polite young girl, who excels academically thanks to her consistent effort and hard work. She considers mathematics to be her favourite subject as she finds numbers fascinating. In her spare time, Iwuvile spends time with her five dogs or she is either in the kitchen helping her mom to cook. Iwuvile hopes to become a teacher one day as she enjoys learning and hopes to teach others too

Lubanzi Hlophe is a Grade 3 learner at Hlanganani Preparatory School. He is a superstar in the classroom and is constantly excelling with his work. Lubanzi loves reading books which has resulted in his exceptional reading and writing abilities, much beyond his years. As a result, Lubanzi has achieved 100% for English. He is a natural born leader who sets a good example amongst his peers while leading quietly. Lubanzi has a bright future ahead of him.

Megan Powell is a Grade 7 learner at Izotsha Primary School. Megan is an exceptionally conscientious, diligent, motivated, kind, honest and loyal pupil who always gives of her best. She is a goal-setter and an achiever who excels at both academics and sport. Megan enjoys being around people and has an adventurous spirit. She has a quiet confidence in all that she does, making her respected amongst her peers. Megan was selected for the Ugu District hockey team earlier on in the year but sadly due to Covid-19 restrictions, she was unable to attend the KZN trials. She is a keen ballet enthusiast, having achieved a Grade 5 distinction and qualified for her Pointe shoes. Megan has achieved an all-round scholarship to Epworth High School for Girls for her high school years. She enjoys riding motorbikes, spending time with her dogs and chickens, going for walks on her family farm and bird watching. She also enjoys watching Formula 1 and rugby, wildlife and reading. Landa Norris is her role model because he is one of the youngest Formula 1 drivers who has achieved success in a short time.

Nomfundo Dlamini is a very quiet and unassuming Grade 7 learner at Margate Primary School. Her work is always on time, accurately and neatly presented. She takes care with minute detail when setting out her mathematics. Her aim is to achieve 100% in all written work. Nomfundo recently obtained just this in the District Mental Maths competition. Her teachers consider her a shining example to the other learners. Nomfundo’s interests include netball, singing and listening to music. Her ultimate goal is to become a businesswoman specialising in her own brand of shoes

Rosabella Surajpersadh is a Grade 6 learner at Port Shepstone Senior Primary School. She has achieved top position in her class in Grade 4 and 5. On the sporting front, Rosabella participates in netball, hockey and cricket. She received 2 gold medals and 1 silver for swimming, and was chosen to represent the school in netball and hockey. Rosabella was invited for hockey trials where she was chosen to represent the Ugu District at provincial level. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 this was cancelled. She is passionate about community service and is a member of the Port Shepstone Girl Guides. She is currently the patrol leader of the Red Bishops and also attained the Golden Hand which is the highest award in Brownies. Rosabella was instrumental is hosting and facilitating a Hospice virtual high tea along with the Guides, Brownies and Rangers. Her motto is to serve with excellence and dignity.

Siyamthanda Nzimakwe is a 13-year-old learner at the Megan du Plessis Special Needs Centre. He has a natural talent for music and his favourite type of music is rap. Siyamthanda takes every opportunity to make up raps about life, which he then performs in front of the class. He is excellent in drama and has a jovial personality. He has had an amazing year in Michelle Redinger’s class at the centre. Siyamthanda has also taught himself how to do a backwards and forwards somersault on the trampoline, which is indeed a wonderful achievement.

Ubenathi Shozi is a Grade 7 learner at Port Shepstone Senior Primary School. She is diligent and perseveres both academically and athletically. Ubenathi has received an academic scroll and a merit certificate yearly since her journey began at the school. She is a keen sport enthusiast and enjoys hockey, soccer, netball, softball, athletics, golf and cross-country. With hockey being her passion, her dream is to become a professional hockey player and some day represent her country. She was chosen to play for the Ugu District hockey team. Ubenathi’s friendly and pleasant disposition has made her popular amongst her peers. She aspires to become a cardiologist where she hopes to reach out and help as many people as she can.

Tiffany Steyn is ‘n Graad 7 leerder aan Suid-Natal Primêr. Tiffany is die hoofmeisie van 2021 en voorwaar ‘n leier op talle gebiede. Sy is ‘n top akademiese presteerder en is genomineer vir die “National learner award” wat deur die Departement van Onderwys aangebied word. Tiffany het ‘n hart van goud en haar liefde vir mense is kleurblind en onvoorwaardelik. Tiffany is ‘n ster wat baie helder gaan skyn!

Nokukhanya Ngcobo is a Grade 7 learner at Hlanganani Preparatory School. She works neatly and is an incredibly disciplined learner. Nokukhanya’s tasks are always completed on time and the pride she puts into her work is very evident. Not only does she excel in the classroom, she also loves playing volleyball and netball. Nokukhanya is a responsible learner who is respected by her peers and educators. For these reasons, she was elected as a school prefect. Nokukhanya has proven to be a superstar inside and outside of the classroom.

Lusanda Njeya is a Grade 3 learner at Marburg Primary School.

She approaches all her tasks with confidence and diligence, which has seen her perform wonderfully academically.

Lusanda has been a consistent achiever from Grade 1 and says that she enjoys mathematics the most.

She is a pleasure to be around and is always polite, friendly and compassionate.

Lusanda loves spending time with her little twin sisters. The three often play soccer together or have fun with their hula hoops.

She hopes to become a teacher one day because she too would like to help educate learners and help them succeed in life.

Lusanda also thinks very highly of her loving parents because of their good morals and caring nature.

Lumka Bawana is a Grade 7 learner at RA Engar Primary School.

Constantly displaying enthusiasm, confidence and respect, Lumka’s teachers unanimously agree that she is a pleasure to teach.

She is an all-rounder, excelling both in the classroom and on the sports field.

Lumka is head learner leader and held in high esteem by her educators and fellow learners.

She has been receiving academic awards from an early age and has placed at the top of her class each year.

Lumka has participated in the Ugu District mental maths competition from Grade 4 and was placed first at district level, bringing great honour to her school.

In Grade 5, she excelled again and this year she placed in the circuit and will soon participate at district level.

Lumka enjoys playing cricket and has taken part in friendly matches representing the school.

She had the opportunity of meeting the Dolphins team in 2019.

Lumka gives praise and honour to the Almighty as she is an avid church-goer. She aspires to become a surgeon one day.

Lethokuhle Mazibuko is a Grade 3 learner at Port Shepstone Primary School.

Fondly known as Letho, she is a kind-hearted and passionate young girl who always puts her best efforts forward in everything she does.

Letho performs exceptionally academically, and claims mathematics to be her favourite subject.

She is a diligent, disciplined learner which saw her place second in her class in Grade 1.

In her spare time Letho enjoys doing arts and crafts. She often follows tutorials on YouTube and recreates those art projects herself.

She also takes part in sport, with soccer being the one she enjoys the most.

Letho aspires to become a doctor in the future.

Joshua Ntando Dlamini is a five year old boy who joined the Megan du Plessis Special Needs Centre, at the beginning of the third term.

He is a very well behaved gentle soul, who loves interacting with the other learners and teachers.

He enjoys having responsibilities given to him and is able to follow through. He is a very enthusiastic learner and is always eager to learn something new.

Joshua loves playing on all the outdoor equipment and to participate during indoor activities. The highlight of his day is doing an art activity.

The centre looks forward to see him grow and develop even more.

Amy de Villiers is a Grade 5 learner at Creston College.

She was devastated when her dog Fly was diagnosed at only 12 months old with bi-lateral hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dessicans, with the onset of lumbar sacral stenosis.

Determined to improve Fly’s quality of life, Amy has been learning rehabilitation exercises to strengthen Fly’s muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Always seeking new activities conducive to Fly’s physical and mental wellbeing, Amy has discovered ‘Hoopers’.

This is a game that is kind on joints and fantastic for retired agility and working dogs.

She is now one of the top five handlers in Kwazulu-Natal and the number one junior handler in KwaZulu-Natal for Canine Hoopers.

Amy has decided that she wants to become an animal rehabilitation therapist and use her passion, her increasing experience and insights to teach people the best ways to treat dogs with disabilities.

Amy and Fly have made the most out of what at first seemed to be insurmountable obstacles.

Instead of giving up, they are sharing a different but fun and active life together.

Aphumelele Hlongwa is a seven year old learner at the Megan du Plessis Special Needs Centre. He is in the blue class, is very enthusiastic about learning and always does his best in whatever activity he is given. Aphumelele enjoys riding bikes, singing action songs and building puzzles. He is always excited to come to school, from the very minute that he gets onto the bus in the mornings. Aphumelele wears his special bus driver sunglasses, because when he grows up, he wants to be a bus driver.

Daniel Naidoo is a Grade 6 learner at Izotsha Primary School. He is a popular, kind and helpful boy who is well respected by his peers. He is able to lead and encourage his peers during group work activities. Daniel achieves well academically and is a keen sports enthusiast, participating in soccer, hockey, golf, tennis, cricket and swimming. Daniel was selected for the Ugu district U12 boys hockey team to attend the KZN trials. Sadly, due to Covid-19, these trials were cancelled. Another achievement was being selected for the KZN tennis team. He enjoys reading, particularly Harry Potter books and doing tricks on his bicycle. Listening to music helps clear his head. His rolemodels are his parents because they are successful and hardworking people, who show unconditional love to their sons, and are mindful and respectful people.

Dineo Usher is a Grade 6 learner at Port Shepstone Primary School. She is an outgoing and passionate learner who is always willing to lend a helping hand. At eleven years old, Dineo has adapted a very positive outlook on life. She is a diligent learner who performs well academically as she is committed to her school work. Dineo’s favourite subjects include isiZulu and English. While she does not play any sport at present, she says that she would like to try and play netball. Dineo draws inspiration from her mom, who is her role model. She says that her mom is a kind, polite and empathetic person who she aspires to be like. Dineo loves fashion and would like to become a businesswoman in the future. If not a businesswoman, she would like to take up acting or perhaps a career in fashion.

Kudaishe Macharangwanda is a Grade 3 learner at Hlanganani Preparatory School. One of the most striking characteristics about him are his excellent manners and the pride he takes in his appearance, as he is always well groomed. Kudaishe has an excellent level of discipline and completes all given tasks to the best of his ability. He has a welcoming and friendly personality. Kudaishe’s many accolades include being awarded best achiever in Grade 2 at the end of 2020. His school work is always up to standard, neatly presented and handed in on time.

Thandolethu Sililo, fondly known as Thando, is a Grade 5 learner at Southcity Christian Schools. She works with diligence, determination and positivity at all times and is an example to other learners around her. She prepares well for all scholastic endeavours and completes all tasks to a very high standard. At the end of term two, Thando was first in grade as well as first in class. This has been the case for the last couple of years. Thando shows a quiet will of steel and resilience, always taking the higher road. She has a wide social group and she is respected amongst her peers. Thando has a witty sense of humour, with her hilarious one liners. She participates in all sports with enthusiasm and determination. Thando recently took part in the U12 Ugu girls hockey trials (as an U11). She shone on the field and was unanimously selected to represent the Ugu region at the KZN trials. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, these trials did not take place. Thando is also very competitive on the athletics field and she represents her school with enthusiasm and pride at all times. She is an asset to any team, a team player and always displays good sportsmanship.

Alden Anirudhe is an industrious learner in Grade 11 at Port Shepstone Secondary School. He is a high-achieving and diligent young man, determined to make his mark in academics. His positive attitude and go-getter mentality has assisted him to stay at his peak, intellectually and physically. Alden is utterly fascinated by nature and learning about living creatures keeps him enthralled. His dream is to pursue a career as a cardio-thoracic surgeon at a world renowned hospital. His love for surgery has led him to watch countless surgical procedures on YouTube and to read an endless number of surgical journals. Alden dedicates some of his free time to making, playing and listening to music. He is a skilled instrumentalist and vocalist, with a zeal for jazz and the blues. He also loves reading and spends hours on his favourite book series, presently Harry Potter. It has taught him countless lessons, but most importantly, “Happiness can be found in even the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Kayla is a diligent, determined young student who has a clear vision for her future. She always finds the best in others and the silver lining in every situation by spreading positivity and love. Loved by her peers and teachers, Kayla has spent her entire school career at Creston College and is involved in many aspects of the school: cultural, academic and sporting. She has achieved first position in the academic Top 10 throughout the past year and was recently invited to join the Academic Achievers Tour to the United States in 2022. Kayla has a passion for the arts and music, plays guitar and has been part of the senior marimba band since Grade three. She is also part of the debate team and Interact Club, and spends her free weekends assisting at Rotary functions, building her community hours. Kayla also enjoys netball for some fresh air and adrenaline. When not busy with school Kayla enjoys spending time at the stables riding horses or out at the beach with friends
She has a great appreciation for literature and spends hours curled up with a good book or writing colourful stories of her own. For years Kayla has had the nickname “drama queen” among close friends and family members, and upon entering high school discovered that she could turn a passion into a possible career. Kayla entered the annual National Curro Art Superheroes Competition. Her poem earned her a Kryptonite Award (the top award for scoring between 95 and 100%). This was the second consecutive year Kayla has received a Kryptonite Award, and thus received her honorary drama scroll.
This year Kayla entered the #Straight2Camera Monologue Festival, after just missing out on the Top 10 last year and receiving her Theatre Wings. Under the guidance of her drama teacher, Ms. Claire Botha, she submitted her monologue, and after much anxious waiting was placed in the Top 15 in the country for the next round. Under the mentorship of renowned actress Milan Murray, Kayla had to compile, perform and submit a piece of work between eight and 10 minutes long, centred around her monologue. Sadly, she just missed out on the top spots but learnt a huge variety of new skills, grew in confidence and absorbed heaps of valuable experience. This is only the start for Kayla of a bright future for Kayla and she remains focused on laying good, solid foundations in her spiritual, personal and educational fields.

Port Shepstone High School Grade 12 learner, Vuyo Gasa, is a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity. His significant influence has been felt during his tenure as Deputy Head Boy of Spirit and Pride. In this capacity, he has made a significant impact by showcasing these virtues with confidence and genuine positivity. Vuyo possesses a remarkable work ethic and clear vision of what he wishes to achieve in his life. His greatest dream is to affect tangible change in the world through his passion and creativity. He is a talented dramatic artist and poet, who displayed great aptitude for acting in the school drama productions and was a huge asset to the Oratory Society. Vuyo has displayed a wisdom beyond his years and has faced all the obstacles with a stoic sense of honour, purpose and a genuine desire to improve the situation for his fellow learners.

Tristan Horsley is a Grade 8 learner at Southcity Christian Schools. He is a well-rounded individual who performs well academically and more so, Tristan flourishes in the swimming pool. He swam for SKZN swimming this year and qualified. Tristan also swam in the South African Junior Nationals where he achieved bronze. Adding to his accomplishments, earlier this year Tristan was the U14 boys age group winner during the school’s interhouse swimming gala. Tristan has a bright future ahead of him, both as an athlete and as a scholar.

Amukela Sikhosana is a vivacious, high-achieving Grade 11 learner at Port Shepstone Secondary School. Amukela’s journey to academic excellence began at Port Shepstone Primary School, where she attained a top five position in Grade 7. This achievement helped Amukela realise the rewards of consistent hard work. Another milestone was the fourth prize she scooped in an isiZulu speech contest. This helped her overcome her fear of public speaking. Amukela would like to pursue a career in dermatology. Having dealt with her own share of skin imperfections, she knows how acne and scarring can diminish one’s confidence. She is passionate about boosting other’s morale. Amukela is on the representative council of learners and secretary of the learner component on the governing body.
Her experiences on this platform have taught her the benefits of a positive attitude and honest, open communication.