SPAR school stars 2022

VELDENVLEI Primary School learner Amaan Adam is gearing up for the second leg of the World of Motorsport Tar Oval Nationals in Pretoria next month.
The nine-year-old WOMZA TAR Ninja Midget Champ races at Oval Track Racing, affiliated to the Richards Bay Hotrod Club.
Starting his racing career at the tender age of six, Amaan is a natural adrenalin junkie, a ‘speed freak’, and loves cars and racing.
He was awarded first place in the class’ U8 category in 2019 and 2020, and in 2021, at the age of eight, he moved on to race in the Ninja Midget Class 8-13 age category.
In July and August this year, he excelled in his races and claimed two podium finishes.
Amaan says his faith plays a big role in his life and he believes that with the help of God, anything is possible.
This speedster’s ultimate dream is to become a Formula 1 driver, but also to train as a doctor and help the sick.
At the age of five, Amaan was the first student to receive a kiddies’ black belt in Richards Bay, and he is also a student at AlgoAtWork Robotics, enhancing his engineering mind.
He also plays for the school’s U11 cricket and hockey first teams, and enjoys fishing and being the braai master at family gatherings.

BAY Primary School pupil Trivae Govender will represent King Cetshwayo District at the Salga (SA Local Government Association) provincial games in Newcastle from 8 to 11 December.
The Grade 5 pupil was one of two players selected from the City of uMhlathuze Mayoral Cup to compete in the first leg of the Salga games where he went on to win all five games in the U14 category.
This young chess star has been involved in the sport for six years, scooping up numerous awards and trophies, including colours in 2019.
Trivae thoroughly enjoys the exciting challenge of travelling across country for chess events, tournaments and competitions.
He works hard to balance his academics and chess, while spending much of his free time mastering his skill.
Despite a busy schedule, Trivae always finds time to enjoy his hobbies of fishing, soccer, playing X-box, and helping others develop their chess skills.
Last month, while competing in a competition at Ushaka Marine World, he showed another young chess player some moves which she quickly grasped and went on to win all of her games.

INSPIRED by his parents’ love for bodybuilding, Mpelwenhle Nxumalo (10) is well on his way to becoming a star sportsman and one of the youngest local bodybuilders.
The Umkhosa Primary School pupil already boasts a collection of winning trophies.
He has been involved in fitness from a young age, growing up in a household where health and fitness is top of the agenda.
Mpelwenhle quickly caught on to the family’s passion and began training with his father Maxwell, who is an acclaimed bodybuilder and coach.
While the youngster is like every little boy who enjoys the outdoors, playing sport and soccer, he ensures the fun is always coupled with a fitness workout.
Mpelwenhle offers his expertise to everyone he can and is a champion for healthy living and being active. He rallies his friends and the community’s children, and trains with them regularly.
His goal is to work hard at school and develop his bodybuilding career to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional bodybuilder.

“MY love for rugby started when I was still in primary school, when I heard stories from my dad, who was also a rugby player.”
For Makabongwe Ntuli (15), this passion has only grown over the years as he dedicates a lot of time and energy to the game.
The Grade 8 pupil at Richem Secondary School plays for the school side, King Cetshwayo District, UKZN, and was recently selected for the Sharks U15 team.
“My cousin was also a good rugby player and watching him piqued my interest in the sport.
“I later found out that I was also a talented player. “My goal is to become a professional rugby player in South Africa before I finish school.”

HAVING obtained distinctions since she started high school, Mbali Buthelezi has a bright future ahead of her. The Grade 10 pupil at Tisand Technical High School in eSikhaleni works hard consistently, earning herself seven distinctions this year – including a 90% average for matric.
As she continues to achieve top marks, Mbali’s hopes of studying medicine and becoming a surgeon draw ever closer. Her mother, Simphiwe Buthelezi, commented: “I always say I am God’s favourite because Mbali has been excelling in academics since primary school. She makes me so proud and being a single mother is not easy, but she makes everything easy for me.”

SBONGAKONKE Msane (19) is a beauty queen who loves giving back to her community.
The Grade 12 pupil at KwaBhanya High School holds the title of Miss KZN High Schools 2022 and is part of Izimbali Zakusasa Youth Development NPO where she assists in collecting and donating items to the less privileged.
“I excel in modelling as it is my passion,’’ said Sbongakonke.
“I do this to inspire young girls to be comfortable in their bodies and confident in who they are.
“I try my utmost to pass all my subjects at school and keep myself motivated to do well.” Sbongakonke usually collects items such as school uniforms and sanitary pads to donate to her peers within her community.
“After school, I wish to pursue a career in law or psychology and help the less fortunate to access these services.
“I also wish to follow in the footsteps of Zozibini and become Miss Universe.”

PROFICIENCY in language acquisition is a tough skill to master, but not for top achieving Lwanele Mayise. A student at Swana School and Assessment Centre, which caters to those with special needs, Lwanele is excelling in his senior phase of primary school.
Having exceeded all expectations, he has worked to become the brightest student in learning language and communication skills.
Outside the classroom, Lwanele loves reading, watching movies, public speaking and debating.
He is also very active in the classroom and is always keen to compete in spelling bee competitions.
He dreams of one day being able to compete against pupils who may not have special needs, as he believes he is up for the challenge.

VELDENVLEI Primary School pupil Himani Juggernath (13) is a top academic achiever who constantly strives to develop her intellectual abilities.
The Grade 7 pupil takes pride in her roots and strong ties to India as a fourth-generation South African, with academic achievement at the forefront of her family’s success.
Himani took to this ideology from a young age, excelling academically throughout her primary school years.
“I have participated in school academic competitions and represented my school at inter-school level competitions, and my keen interest in the game of chess keeps my mind sharp and focused.
“I manage to obtain stability in my life through my family who is my support structure, as well as through my religion which is key to my identity.
“My family’s dream is for me to one day become a doctor, and I’m interested in becoming an anaesthetist and so our goals are in tune!” she commented.

ARBORETUM Primary School pupil Brooklyn Fynn is an avid reader who enjoys getting lost in a good book and allowing his imagination to run wild.
The 11-year-old has been reading from the age of five, before even taking his first steps into the classroom; having been taught to read by his grandmother who is passionate about cultivating a love for reading among children. Brooklyn’s fascination with books has helped him excel in his academics and maintain top marks.
His favourite read is Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which he has read multiple times along with his collection of Enid Blyton books.
When his nose is not in a book, Brooklyn enjoys riding bikes and playing games on his X-box, as well as attending youth activities in his community of Aquadene.
He strikes a healthy balance enjoying the indoors and outdoors, and spending time with his energetic little sister who keeps him very busy.

ANATHI Mthethwa (19) from Khayise Skills Academy – a division of Swana School and Skills Development Centre – is passionate about visual arts, music and drama.
Swana School assists in the development of children living with disabilities, and Anathi, who is a special needs student, has shown tremendous talent through pencil drawings.
For Anathi, drawing is a way for him to express his thoughts and emotions.
Swana School public relations officer Nqobile Chonco says Anathi’s incredible talent should be celebrated.
“Whenever any of our learners show progress in development, we become very excited,” she said.
“Anathi shows that people with special needs are capable of doing extraordinary things.”

WITH a passion for dressing A-listers across the country, Sanele Ntshingila has already begun his journey as a fashion entrepreneur.
The Izibuko High School Grade 12 pupil is creating hip and happening merchandise under his own clothing label, “The Nameless Brand”, which he launched in 2019.
He makes garments like sweaters, tracksuits, hoodies and street fashion that appeals to his peers and community members.
Sanele hopes his brand reaches its peak in the next five years.
He also aspires to further his studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “I hope to study a BA in political sciences next year, and also grow my business exponentially,” he said.
“My ultimate goal is to dress celebrities like Blxckie, Kwesta and Casper Nyovest.”
Sanele says he sees the need to run your own business from a young age as the youth face challenges like unemployment after completing their studies.
Sanele is inspired by pop culture and cultivating the fashion scene with ready-to-wear garments that are locally produced

EVERY day is another opportunity for Aquadene Secondary School pupil Sisanda Dludla (16) to master her acting skills and practice for her future career in the performing arts.
The Grade 11 pupil is passionate about drama, and has aspirations to make it to the big screen as she launches her successful acting career.
Sisanda is also an academic achiever, maintaining her position in the top 10, while also being a top debater on the school team.
The outspoken youngster is also considering becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture – one of her favourite subjects at school.
Her interest in acting comes from her late father, and she plans to excel to keep his legacy alive.
“My parents created a loving home and a safe haven, allowing me to develop and grow without any distractions from the outside world,” said Sisanda.
“They protected me from the outside so I didn’t have to worry about anything. The love in our home kept us safe and protected.
“I look forward to developing my arts and furthering my tertiary studies to make my parents and family proud.”

FLORATON Primary School’s head boy Mmeli Mtshali is an all-rounder, excelling in arts, academics and sports, particularly karate, soccer and athletics.
The Grade 7 pupil strives for excellence and, as head boy of his school, he works hard to lead by example, encouraging his peers to lead balanced lifestyles focusing on their schoolwork and sport to keep their health in check.
He is captain of the El Roi Football Club youth division under the guidance of coach Jomo Mkhize.
Mmeli has developed in karate and is a Fanakoshi karate champion. In athletics, he has also earned two medals for the 100-metre.
But this isn’t to the detriment of academics, with the 12-year-old participating in the Eskom Expo for
Young Scientists earlier this year. This is South Africa’s premier science fair for school pupils, where they can exhibit their scientific investigations.

ARBORETUM Primary School pupil, Cassidy Coopen, is keen on conservation and saving the planet.
He is an active member of his school’s Land Service group and is involved in projects to help animals and preserve the environment.
Some of these projects include supporting charities like the SPCA, initiating community clean-ups, and gardening projects.
The nine-year-old is also an adrenalin fanatic and enjoys living on the fast side of life. He can often be found racing his bicycle, go karting down the street or attending spinning and drag racing events with his family. His dream is to one day own a sports car, with BMW being his preferred car of choice.
Cassidy is adventurous and enjoys exploring, gaming and dancing.
On the sports field, he enjoys playing soccer and is part of the Raptors Indoor Soccer Club. When he grows up he hopes to study sports management science and follow a career in the sporting industry.

UYANDA Cele may only be 11-years-old, but
she’s already making a name for herself as
a professional model, having appeared in
various commercials and campaigns.
The Grade 5 pupil at Heuwelland Primary School, who resides in Ngwelezane,  is signed on with Trelique Models International and is on the way to achieving her goals.
She has already won a number of pageants, including Tiny Miss Scarlett, Tiny Miss Big Bonanza, Tiny Miss Toddlers and Tiaras and Tiny Miss Tourism Queen Zululand.
She did a fashion show at the Wedding Expo and has modelled for Enhle Babes Couture, a 15-year-old designer who showcased at the Durban Fashion Fair.
‘I keep myself fit by playing netball for the first team and cricket, and I’m aiming to be cricket captain this year,’ she said.
‘When I grow up, I would like to be a businesswoman so I can boss people around!
‘My motto in life is ‘Be you, do you, because no one will ever be you and that is your superpower,’ she said.

EMPANGENI High School matric pupil Asanda Dlamini has earned a number of modelling titles over the years, with her most recent one being Miss Intelligent KZN 2022.
‘The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they can be felt at heart,’ said Dlamini. She started her modelling journey in 2009, being only 5-years-old.
She is also an advocate for women’s empowerment and also does charity work within the community. ‘I visited the Musawenkosi Children’s Home to donate
Easter eggs since it was the Easter holidays.’ Being crowned Miss Intelligent KZN 2022 has motivated Dlamini to continue to pursue her dreams and bring change into the community. ‘I am a girl who has a story and determination to ignite change and inspire girls across the world.’
She was also crowned, Miss Intelligent Public Choice 2022, which was a division voted for by the public. Asanda is currently one of the contestants vying for the coveted title of Miss VIP Model South Africa, and she aspires to one day wear the Miss South Africa crown and sash.

GRADE 11 top achiever at Aquadene Secondary School, Nicolette Ramatshego aspires to use her love for business and entrepreneurship to empower herself and others.
With a desire to become a corporate lawyer and a businesswoman, the 17-year-old said she was motivated by her late mother to develop herself and pursue her goals.
Having been the top achiever in her grade since last year, Nicolette spends much time on her studies and works late at night or in the early hours of the morning when the house is at its quietest.
‘My mother was a project manager and involved in business and sadly she did not realise her dream of starting up her own business.
‘I know it was something she was passionate about but she passed away in 2019 and I would like to carry her legacy forward and venture into business as well.
‘This will also give me an opportunity to develop others and provide employment opportunities through different business ventures.
‘My subjects are all business-related with one of them being agricultural management practices, which is also educating me on using agriculture as a business avenue.
‘I am in the school’s debating team and have also participated in the Business Olympiad where I progressed to the next round.’
When she is not stuck in her books, Nicolette helps her grandmother with chores around the house and helps take care of her younger brother.

AQUADENE Secondary School pupil Thato Thamae has his sights set on a career in architecture, interior design and graphic design.
An admirer of fine buildings, exclusive homes and well-presented designs, Thato hopes to use his creativity to bring his dream of becoming an architect to life.
The 16-year-old from Mzingazi doesn’t believe in placing all eggs in one basket which is why he aims to use his skills to pursue four different career paths that satisfy his passions.
An academic achiever, Thato is in the top 10 of his class with his favourite subject being agricultural processes.
Through this he enjoys the conservation of plants and animals and the principles of farming, another avenue he hopes to explore as an entrepreneur. This could be an additional income stream while ensuring his family has a constant supply of vegetables at home.
‘We have a veggie garden at school and all the earners are involved. At my residence, I have started another one to help my family and hopefully sell the extra produce,’ said Thato.
‘When I’m not working on my studying, I enjoy playing basketball and swimming.’

AQUADENE Secondary School pupil Kwanele Manukuza is gearing up for the Telkom Netball League (TNL) Championships in Witbank next month.
The provincial team member will be part of the U17 team and is excited to compete at the national event. TNL aims to continue growing the sport, and encourages participation among young girls and women around the country.
With the 2023 Netball World Cup nearing, the TNL provides a great opportunity for players to prepare, compete and work hard to be noticed and scouted.
The Grade 11 learner is also a provincial graded umpire for netball and plays in the Netball Super League A section with the uMhlathuze Eagles team.
She completed a netball umpiring workshop and training, and graded in the provincial Super League Grand Final before the pandemic struck in 2020.
Kwanele has umpired many matches at provincial level and is heading to Durban this weekend for the Super League Provincial matches.
She is a hard worker and strives to maintain excellent grades, and is part of The School Church Organisation (SCO).
She is excited about the return of fans to sport matches and hopes to see many more supporters at her upcoming netball games.

ARBORETUM Primary School pupil Leeah Pillay is celebrating the school’s robotics team win at the First Lego League Robotics Regional Competition held in Durban last week.
The nine-year-old was part of the Minions Team that won the Best Core Values Award. Their next stop is Johannesburg next month for the national leg of the competition.
Leeah is excited about robotics and coding, as well as reading and spending time in the outdoors on wildlife excursions. This love for the environment and animals has fuelled her decision to become a veterinarian and help make a difference.

BRACKENHAM Primary School pupil Azariah Ava Yankasamy is an all-rounder, excelling in academics, sport and the performing arts.
The 10-year-old Grade 5 pupil enjoys a challenge, and is not afraid to take to the stage and showcase her talents in singing, dancing and public speaking.
Earlier this year, Azariah entered the Boardwalk Talent Showdown where she scooped second place in the Dancing category.
Maintaining her academic A aggregate, Azariah has been top of her grade for the past few years, working hard to maintain her excellent track record.
An avid dancer and singer, she is part of her church youth group and is learning to play the violin.
The highly motivated youngster is inspired by her older sister Amerie (Grade 9) who assists with her Leeah Pillay studies.

NOSIPHO Sinoxolo Biyela is a natural born artist and is very talented in visual arts.
The 13-year-old Grade 6 pupil at Qedumona Primary School in KwaMbonambi is an outstanding artist in the making who enjoys drawing and also playing netball.
She is part of her community’s netball team, Siyakhula. Nosipho is highly praised by her principal, Mrs SE Dlamini, for her exceptional skills in drawing and for her talent as a young sportswoman.
‘We began noticing her talent when she was only in Grade 2 and since then she has improved tremendously,’ said Dlamini.
‘We hope to groom her so we can see more children from disadvantaged communities showing an interest in the visual arts,’ she added.
When she grows up, Nosipho wants to be a celebrated artist and also hopes for much success on the netball court.

THE highest achiever in her grade last year, Zekhethelo Sibiya is the one to watch at Empangeni Preparatory School. Zekhethelo was given a merit award for her outstanding academic performance, achieving an aggregate of 70%.
Her top subjects were natural sciences and technology, with an aggregate of 90% in both, while she achieved an equally impressive 93% in English home language, and 89% in life skills.
Not only an academic, Zekhethelo participates in sport – hockey and swimming – and enjoys reading in her spare time.
The Grade 7 pupil has high goals for the academic year ahead, commenting: ‘I hope to achieve an aggregate of 95% for my last term.’
Her teacher, Mr James, praised Zekhethelo for her hard work and tenacity. ‘Zekhethelo is one of the learners to look out for – her dedication to her school work is commendable and we are very proud of her.
‘She has a bright future ahead of her,’ he said.

GRADE 1 pupil Kriyan Moodley is an active youngster who enjoys a challenge and trying out new activities, from sport, academics and extra curricular.
At Richards Bay Christian School, the six-year-old looks forward to his school days as they are filled with exciting, practical and fun learning engagements, and he can participate in his favourite sports – swimming, soccer, cricket and hockey – with his schoolmates.
During the first term he participated in swimming galas, achieving first place in freestyle and backstroke, third position in the inter-school gala for freestyle and backstroke, and second place in the school relay.
He plays in the U7 cricket team, but has played with the U8s in the KFC Mini Cricket tournament.
He enjoys playing hockey, and played his first match against Felixton College recently.
He is enthusiastic about sport and will participate in any code. Testament to this is that he also plays soccer with the Raptors Academy after school.
Kriyan is equally excited about his school work and is always eager to give of his best. Mathematics is his favourite subject.

RICHARDS Bay Secondary School pupil Salisha Moodley is an anime artist, using her artistic abilities to create her own unique characters.
Anime is a style of animation originating in Japan, that is characterised by stark colourful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots, often with fantastic or futuristic themes.
The Grade 8 learner loves her anime characters and hopes to develop her talent by creating her own brand of artwork and printing it onto T-shirts and other clothing items to sell.
As she continues to develop her techniques, she would also like to further improve her art studies.
Salisha also loves playing soccer and volleyball, and is a youth member of the uMhlathuze Hindu Development Committee where she participates in their community upliftment programmes.
Like any teenager, she enjoys playing games and listening to music.
She is passionate about nature conservation and believes in promoting the prevention of animal cruelty.
Her love for animals motivates her to work hard and one day become a veterinarian.
But architecture is also on her radar as this career would allow her to explore her talent in drawings and design.

SAMEER Maharaj (14), a Grade 9 pupil at Birdsview Acadamy in Richards Bay, is an excellent cricket allrounder and has a knack for various other sports, too.
He represented the U17 KZN North Coastal team as a 13 year old, the KZN North Hub, and the U16 KZN North team at the KZN Sunfoil Cricket tournament.
Off the cricket pitch, Sameer can be found playing volleyball, football, table tennis, chess or swimming.
His hobbies include drawing, playing video games and supporting his beloved Chelsea Football Club.
Even though Sameer trains every day, he makes sure his school work is done first so he can achieve his goal of studying civil engineering or law.

JOHN Ross College pupil Jordan Harypursat is an athlete well on his way to achieving his sporting goals; excelling in hockey, rugby and swimming.
The 16-year-old completed the Fish Eagle Swimming Club 1 000 metre challenge in February, finishing in a time of 00:19:08, and received a bronze medal in his division.
He is a King Cetshwayo District swimmer and a member of Sonja Swim School, and swims for Fish Eagle Swimming Club.
The Grade 10 learner loves participating in a variety of sporting codes, and has a brown belt in karate; he enjoys hunting and fishing, and is part of the Zululand Bow Hunting Club.
He maintains his academics by studying hard, and finished 2021 in the top 10 in his grade.
Striking a balance, he includes his extramural activities and hobbies in his busy schedule, enabling him to be successful in his respective activities.
He believes hard work and sacrifice get you to where you want to be. Jordan hopes his passion for swimming combined with his love for the sea will soon afford him the opportunity to study to become a marine biologist.

COMPETING at the SA Level 3 swimming gala this past weekend, young Ami van der Merwe (10) recorded her best swim time in the U12 division, securing sixth position out of 28 competitors.
This is the Grade 5 Veldenvlei Primary School pupil’s highest swimming achievement to date after having won the junior victrix ludorum at the recent school inter-prep event.
Ami began swimming at the age of three and completed her first 24m relay event at the age of four.
She is part of Fish Eagle Swimming Club, and in February completed the Fish Eagle 1 000m swim challenge in 16 minutes and 36 seconds. Swimming is one of her favourite sports and she dedicates an hour to training every day between 2.30 and 3.30pm.
She also does athletics training, with a 2km run at 6pm to maintain her fitness levels.
While improving her swimming times remains at the top of her list, Ami still strives to maintain an A+ aggregate in academics, as well as balancing social activities.
Ami holds a blue belt in Taekwondo. Her dream is to one day compete at the Olympics, and she would love to be a swimming coach.

HEUWELLAND Primary School pupil Minnie Mlotshwa is passionate about serving her community, and dedicates her spare time to supporting charities and volunteering in community projects.
The 11-year-old Empangeni resident recently initiated her own sanitary pad drive to support schoolgirls.
She collected over 500 sanitary pads which were distributed to Lungelo Youth Development Centre in Mzingazi, Arise and Shine Children’s home in Dondolo, and Khanyangodumo Primary School and Shining Star Community Development Centre in eShowe.
As a model with Trelique Models International, Minnie is involved in numerous community campaigns and projects to help local charities such as SPCA, LifeLine Zululand, Cansa Richards Bay, and many others.
She started her modelling journey at the age of five and has won 33 titles.
She was crowned Trelique Models International Overall Winner Model of the Year 2021 with the highest score among 120 models, and recently scooped the title of Miss Pre-teen Scarlet 2022. She is also an International Junior Miss South Africa 2022 national finalist.
Using her modelling skills and knowledge, Minnie hosted a mini school project aimed at promoting modelling in rural areas, promoting modelling as a tool to build self-confidence, and encouraging girls and young women to love themselves.
In addition, working with communities has helped Minnie grow and develop her communication skills, public speaking, and forging new relationships.
Keeping track of her busy schedule, she has a weekly planner that helps her manage all her extra curricular activities and school work.
Minnie enjoys playing netball and hockey, doing charity work, helping her grandmother with baking, and training with her mom who is a gym fanatic.
She loves dancing to TikTok challenges, listening to music and serving at church.
Minnie’s goal is to become a pediatrician and a model representing SA in national and international competitions.

SPORT all-rounder Gabriel Harypursat enjoys a challenge and takes every sporting opportunity available to him, to try new activities and different codes.
The eight-year-old Arboretum Primary School pupil is part of the school’s Arries First Lego League (FLL) Junior Explore Robotics group where learners are taught to work as a team while finding solutions to real-life problems and programming a robot to complete missions – all while having fun.
He is also involved in school swimming, hockey and cricket. As a member of the Fish Eagle Swimming Club, Gabriel is the youngest club swimmer and received a gold medal for completing the 1 000m challenge in 24 minutes and 9 seconds in his division.
He also enjoys fishing and hunting, and is a member of the Zululand Bow Hunting Club.
Maintaining an excellent academic track record, Gabriel’s goal is to not miss a day of school, and he works hard balancing his sport and school work.
He believes God gives him his super powers, and as long as he has his Creator on his side, God will give him strength.
Gabriel also attends Alpha Gen, a Friday night youth programme.

A YOUNGSTER with many art and musical talents, Brackenham’s Amerie Yankasamy scooped first prize for singing at the Boardwalk Showdown talent competition last weekend.
The Richards Bay Secondary School learner, who enjoys dancing and singing, has entered the competition for the third year in a row, previously taking winning titles in the dancing categories.
For the 14 year old, singing and dancing comes naturally, and she has been perfecting her technique from a young age, performing in school concerts and variety shows from Grade R.
Amerie is passionate about the performing arts and has learnt to play the piano through online courses and the help of her pastor.
She also enjoys sewing and assisting at children’s church.
She believes her talents are a gift from God, and she always takes time to pray and seek divine help. Highly motivated to achieve her goals, Amerie has maintained excellent
academics since Grade R. She plans to become a cardiologist.
Amerie is described by her mother Melissa as a hardworking and committed teenager who always helps and supports her siblings and family.
‘She is caring and loving, and strives to be a good role model for her younger siblings.
‘When she puts her mind to anything, she goes after it with much passion and zeal, and achieves it,’ she said.

RICHARDS Bay teenager Sharmel Naicker enjoys a challenge and recently joined the Duep Basketball girls’ team to add this sporting code to her activities.
The John Ross College pupil transitioned to high school this year and is striving to maintain good grades and keep a balance with her sport, which also includes soccer.
The 15-year-old takes her health and wellness seriously, and enjoys keeping fit and healthy through sport and regular exercise.
She enjoys the arts and drama, and has competed in talent shows and performed in concerts over the years, showcasing her modelling and dancing talents.
Sharmel hopes to secure her spot on the basketball team and compete in this predominantly male sport.
In her spare time she enjoys drawing. She would love to pursue her dream of working as an air hostess and travelling the world.

FOR John Ross College pupil Nokwanda Xulu, advancing her netball skills is a major goal. The 18-year-old vice captain of the school’s first team netball club enjoys keeping abreast of all sporting codes and matches.
She works hard to ensure she has enough time for her extra-curricular activities, and can also be found in the kitchen where she enjoys baking, and plans to put this passion to future use.
With the onset of the pandemic, Nokwanda witnessed the devastation it brought to the tourism and hospitality industry – a field she is pursuing as a career.
‘I would like to take my passion for the tourism industry and inject new ideas and creativity in this field,’ said the ambitious youngster.
‘My long-term goal is to work as a hotel or guest house manager or an events manager, adding my unique touch to special occasions and functions.’

YOU are never too young to make a difference.
This was evident when Arboretum Primary School Grade 1 learner Xander Dingle led a clean-up campaign to remove litter and broken bottles from the post office structure next to his school.
With much broken glass bottles, the litter poses a danger to him and his friends.
The six-year-old’s love for his environment, and keeping it clean and litterfree, was his motivating factor in inviting his little friends to help him clean up the post office structure which is being used for illegal gatherings.
Xander could not sit back and do nothing. So he got to work cleaning up the plastic, papers and glass bottles.
Xander has a big heart and loves animals, his school, and helping wherever he can. His mother Mirize said Xander also gave a helping hand to a ministry for the homeless, and his leftover lunch is always handed to beggars at the robots.
‘Xander does best when he is in a routine, and the school is great with balancing academics and other activities so the children do not feel overwhelmed.
‘At home, once finished with his homework, we feel it is best for Xander to rest and play because he is young and his brain and little body still need that.’
At this stage, Xander just wants to drive a big bakkie and work hard like his dad when he grows up.

DOMINATING the soccer field is Bongimpilo Ntinga, a phenomenal young defender in Grade 6 at Qedumona Primary School.
Despite the numerous challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the young soccer star has made sure he excels on the field.
The 14-year-old wears the number 2 jersey and plays defence for Santos FC, a team in his home community of KwaMthethwa.
Bongimpilo’s goal is to see his name on a jersey in the big leagues.
When not playing soccer, he enjoys running, and is one of the best athletes at his school.
His teachers encourage him to excel in sport while also supporting him with his academic studies.
Despite coming from a rural background, Bongimpilo does not allow his current circumstances to determine his future and hopes to one day play for Bafana Bafana.

YOUNG pianist Alessandrya Peterson is preparing to compete at the National Eisteddfod Young Performer Awards later in the year.
This after she received a diploma (90% and higher) at the National Eisteddfod of South Africa competition last year in the category ‘Piano Choice Solo Grade 3’.
The upcoming competition will see her competing in the ‘Contemporary Keyboard Music’ category.
While Alessandrya keeps busy schedules for her piano practice, she also enjoys rhythmic gymnastics and attends Catechism at the Catholic Church in Veldenvlei.
She also loves animals. Alessandrya is grateful for the incredible support she receives from her parents.
While music and piano in particular is a big part of Alessandrya’s life, she aspires to one day becoming a surgeon.
In her spare time, Alessandrya enjoys dancing and travelling.

AQUADENE Secondary School pupil Kwanele Manukuza has big aspirations for her netball career.
After being selected for the SA Netball Schools Squad she represented KZN at the All Ages School Games held in Boksburg recently.
The 16-year-old Grade 11 netball player is also part of the provincial KZN Super League, and is working her way up the sporting ladder to one day become a netball star.
With ambitions to further her playing career by honing her skills, Kwanele maintains discipline with practice sessions, and gives of her best on the field.
‘My role model is my netball coach, Nokukhanya Hlongwane, who is a professional player and has played for KZN Kingdom Queens and Kingdom Stars.
‘Her support has been a great motivating factor.
‘My goals are to become a top netball player in SA and study to become a doctor.
‘My wish is to play like Bongiwe Msomi, captain of the Spar Proteas.’ While netball is a priority for Kwanele, she is well-balanced and also maintains discipline with academics.
She is part of the Student Christian Organisation at her school, and in her spare time can be found in the gym training.

TALIA James is a busy teenager who enjoys trying out new activities and hobbies, and has a busy schedule juggling school work, sport, creative arts and community projects.
The 12-year-old Richards Bay High School pupil is passionate about all her causes and is committed to always giving of her best.
She is an avid sportsperson and enjoys gymnastics, karate and soccer, and is the only female U12 player at Brackenham Football Club.
Always ready to explore her talents, Talia pursues creative arts and enjoys painting, especially nature, wildlife and landscapes.
‘I also enjoy community outreaches, and my family and I support initiatives which help make a difference in our communities.
‘I was privileged to benefit from local community projects and was sponsored in 2017 by Bay Rhythmic to join gymnastics.
‘I excelled in my pre-level 1 group completion in Durban.
‘I also learned how to play the piano through a community project run by Eagles Nest Ministries under the mentorship of Ursula Nelson.’
The vibrant youngster has a strong faith and believes her many talents are gifts from God.
Her hobbies include gardening, painting, sketching, cooking and reading. She aspires to be a creative arts teacher.

ACADEMIC achiever Kamishka Naidoo is rallying support to fund a prestigious trip to the 7th annual Academic Achievers Tour in the USA later this year.
The Grade 11 Richards Bay High School pupil was selected for the tour alongside other South African achievers from 159 high schools. But funds will need to be raised for her to attend this specialised academic tour of the east coast of America.
Participants will visit Boston, New York and Washington over 12 days which includes attending private lectures and visiting some of the top universities in the world.
These include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Princeton.
Lectures will cover an array of globally significant topics, coupled with visits to world renowned sites and museums.
Kamishka is always ready for a challenge and is hoping to join the tour as she works towards her dream of entering the medical field, specialising in cardiology. She believes this international opportunity will inspire her to excel in high school and into tertiary education.
At the school prize-giving, she was awarded academic half colours for Grade 10, for achieving an average of over 70%.
‘I am extremely grateful to have been afforded this opportunity to attend this international educational tour and I know
I will return with a wealth of information,’ she said. Participants are required to cover the cost of the trip and additional expenses – estimated at R100 000. With the help of her parents, Kamishka is seeking sponsorship to help offset the expenses.
All contributions can be paid directly into the account of the tour company, using her unique reference – 21025 HRB + K Naidoo. Contributions of any amount are welcome.
Banking details:
Name: Freeworld Travel
Bank: ABSA
Branch: 632005
Account no: 4070845967
Reference: 21025 HRB + K Naidoo
For enquiries, contact Sundeerin Naidoo on 083 7762684 or email sendkamishka2usa@gmail.com