Spar Superstars 2024

ASPIRING neuroscientist Chloe Ryan hails from Northland School in Monzi. This Grade 6 pupil was recently selected to participate in running and hockey at the Rhinoveld School Sports Association.
A renowned bookworm, Chloe is fluent in English and isiZulu and enjoys reading and writing in both languages.
A force of nature in the swimming pool, she has received numerous victrix ludorum titles over the years. Chloe was also awarded first place in her class spelling bee last year.
She has a captivating smile that lights up any room, with consideration and kindness in her DNA.
Mindful of the ever-changing climate, she has planted indigenous trees to donate to communities and, with the help and support of her family, Chloe pays it forward by attending beach clean-ups.

FLORATON Primary School learner Oluhle Sangweni was selected to represent the King Cetshwayo District netball team at the provincial games in Durban last week.
The energetic and vibrant 12 year old began playing netball in Grade 4 and has been finetuning her sporting skills over the last three years, playing netball at school as well in the community with the Aquadene women’s netball team. She began playing against other schools and teams last year and was excited to be selected for the district team.
She also participates in women’s soccer and keeping active remains her favourite pastime.
Her favourite subject is mathematics and she hopes to follow a career in future that allows her to keep mathematics at the forefront of her studies.

PERSONIFYING excellence and leadership is Grantham Park Primary School’s headgirl Andiswa Mlambo. Since enrolling at the school, she has exemplified what it means to be dedicated, hardworking and selfless. In 2019, she secured her place on the U7 hockey A team and in the choir, and is still instrumental in both.
What sets her apart is her love for school subjects such as mathematics, English and science, and her passion for learning securing her a place in the top 10. Andiswa regularly participates in educational activities such as mathematics olympiads, spelling bees and public speaking. Some of her outstanding accomplishments include being awarded the ‘best project’ in the Energy category at the Science Expo. A true fighter, she is not deterred by setbacks thanks to her positive attitude.
The all-rounder works hard to achieve top results while juggling being on the netball, soccer and athletics A teams. A born leader, Andiswa is described as ‘versatile’ and handles her role as headgirl with integrity and an admirable work ethic.

FLORATON Primary School learner Wandisa Qwabe is a natural born athlete, having been selected for the U12 King Cetshwayo District team to compete at the provincial athletics championships.
The Grade 6 pupil was selected to represent the region at the provincial athletics event held in Limpopo during the Easter school holidays.
She excelled and earned third place in her age category, showing her talent against athletes from across the country.
With no prior athletics coaching or training, Qwabe showed her natural ability on the track.
The 11 year old who hails from Mandlazini also enjoys playing soccer and is part of the community’s women’s soccer team.
Wanting to make a difference and impact the lives of others when she grows up, she would like to become a teacher, inspired by her favourite educator Mrs Msweli.
On weekends she enjoys going to church and fellowship with other youth.

VICTOR ludorum award recipient Janu van der Westhuizen of Richards Bay Christian School earned this accolade after his record-breaking performance when he dominated his competition at the recent Inter-High Gala. He tabled a time of 35 seconds for the U14 breaststroke (50m). “I’m shocked, but very happy,” he said, recalling the moment he came first.
Janu fell in love with swimming at the age of 11 and longs for the day he gets to represent South Africa at the Olympics.
Working hard to perfect his craft, he attends swimming practice for at least eight and a half hours a week.
Outside the pool, Janu takes an interest in photography, plays rugby and has a passion for serving others In addition, Janu is a personable, ambitious, focused, respectful and cheerful young man.

TEENAGE rugby star Bandile Mbonambi was recently selected to be part of the KZN Development programme.
The Tisand Technical School learner is no stranger to making provincial selections as he was previously chosen to be part of the KZN U12 team.
An instrumental member of his team, he has gone head-to-head against several schools including Grantham Park Primary, Arboretum Primary, John Ross High and Grantleigh over the years.
With aspirations to join the Springboks, he works tirelessly to make his dream a reality.
Bandile is not only excellent on the rugby field but also a great learner who is focused, goal-driven, respectful and kind.
As a backup plan, he would love to explore his interest in buildings and infrastructure by becoming a civil engineer.
In his spare time, he enjoys chilling and laughing with his friends and teammates.

SETTING her mind three years ago on making her family proud, Aquadene Secondary School’s Anele Shandu is on her way to achieving her goal of being the top Grade 12 pupil.
The 17 year old is an example of what discipline, hard work and determination can achieve.
She said she was always an average student, but thanks to her mother, who began exposing her to different careers, she started working towards one of two career options.
The first is in the field of medicine where she would specialise in surgery, and the second is to become a chartered accountant and be her own boss.
With a passion for helping others and sharing her knowledge, Anele assists other students who are struggling with school work, even youngsters she doesn’t know, encouraging them to never give up on academics.
“I am part of a group of young women championing the programme
‘What Men Can Do, Women Can Do Better’, where young girls are inspired to step out of their comfort zones and really live up to their full potential,” she said.
“Being part of the school book club has been so beneficial in helping with our vocabulary and grammar.
“I also enjoy listening to music daily and engaging in some form of yoga to energise my body and mind.”

YOUNG model Sthabile Sikhakhane from Sunnydale Secondary School in eShowe is on a mission to use her platform to make a positive impact in the lives of children who have lost a parent.
This Grade 8 learner is mature beyond her years and does not shy away from helping others who may not know how to navigate grief.
“I represent children who have lost a parent – children from single-parent households because I am one. I managed to overcome and my reality no longer kills me but made me stronger,” she explained.
Not always one for the limelight, Sthabile started modelling and competing in pageants last year.
“I entered a few local competitions such as Miss Valentine in KwaDlangezwa,” she said.
Despite not placing in the pageant, Sthabile did not give up, instead doing what she knows best and persevered.
Her work ethic paid off as she was recently selected to represent KZN as a finalist in the International Teen Supermodel South Africa pageant at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
If she wins the title she will have the opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage in the USA later this year.
Never deterred by the problems before her, Sthabile wants others to remember the quote she holds close to her heart: ‘You can never climb a ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.’

OWEN Stead is well on his way to achieving his dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer.
The Richards Bay Christian School learner out-swam his competition at the Inter-Prep Gala where he shattered three records.
Swimming with finesse, he broke the record in the U13 backstroke, freestyle and individual medley events.
Owen’s exceptional performance earned him the prestigious junior victor ludorum award.
With skill well beyond his years, he started swimming at three years old. Driven to reach his goals, he dedicates a minimum of nine hours a week to perfecting his stroke.
His tenacity and willingness to take instruction are what set him apart.
Beyond the pool, Owen enjoys activities such as collecting action figures and playing roll ball.

COMING in hot is Mornè Coertse from Zululand Remedial Centre (ZRC) in Empangeni.
On the fast track to success, he recently flew the school’s flag high at the Hotrods Championships in Richards Bay. Finishing in third place, this extraordinary Grade 3 learner is no stranger to the oval track as he achieved the same result last year. Proving that consistency is key, Mornè’s drive and focus on the track while steering his race car is how he produces remarkable results.
Described as kind and loving by teachers, Mornè has a heart for others. Armed with a cheerful and energetic personality, he enjoys playing with friends.

ON track to success is Grade 5 learner Doncabe Mhlengi from Matshana Primary School.
The youngster recently competed in the Richards Bay district tournament.
Flying his school’s flag high, he took a podium finish in the 100m sprint.
His determination during the race earned him a silver medal to add to his collection.
Described as a respectful and goal-driven pupil, Doncabe is a source of joy to all those who come into contact with him.
Like so many of his peers, he enjoys playing, running and learning new things.
Focused on perfecting his stride on the track, he hopes to one day make the country proud by participating in international events.

FUTURE sport star Asibulele Shandu (13) from St Catherine’s has his sights set on becoming a professional soccer player.
The Grade 7 Earlyact representative recently made the U13 King Cetshwayo hockey team.
This all-rounder is on both the soccer and hockey first teams.
The definition of a true sportsman, Asibulele also plays cricket and is a fiercely competitive swimmer.
In his downtime, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing Playstation.
His mother plays a vital role in helping him manage his time.
With dreams of playing in the soccer national team, Bafana Bafana, Asibulele is also a confident pupil who plans to obtain a degree in sports science.

MAKING a big splash is young swimmer, Ronewa Myeza from Grantleigh Schools.
The Grade 7 pupil is a disciplined talent who takes his craft seriously.
Since transferring to Grantleigh in 2023, he has become an instrumental member of the team.
Ronewa’s long list of achievements include making the provincial U12 and U13 teams, competing at the KZN Provincial Championships and earning provincial half colours – to name a few.
With the support of his family, friends, coaches and school, he is equipped with the recipe for success.

VELDENVLEI Primary School’s Nhlanhla Hlophe (12) is serious about sport, participating in almost half a dozen codes for his school as well as the Zululand District.
The deputy head boy of sport is a firm believer in time management and keeping a healthy balance between his sports and academics.
The Grade 7 pupil is involved in first team rugby and hockey as well as ringball and athletics.
Nhlanhla has maintained a tight schedule that allows for both school work and sport and to keep track of all his practice sessions and games.
He plans to pursue a career in computer science and focus on innovative ways to improve technology and impact society

ENTRIGUED by history, world news and politics, Aquadene Secondary School matric learner Nothando Nxele enjoys keeping abreast with things happening around her.
The 17 year old, who has been a top academic achiever since Grade 8, maintains her spot in the top five. She is part of the school’s debate team and enjoys a challenge – watching the news daily and reading about current affairs is at the top of her agenda.
The Representative Council of Learners (RCL) member also takes her leadership role seriously and has a special interest in supporting the Grade 8 pupils. Being part of an organisation called  ‘If man can do it then I can do it better’ has given the young lady a platform to advocate for women’s rights and equal opportunities, especially in male-dominated career paths. Nxele says she loves reading about reallife issues and going back in time to learn about history, people who have made a difference in changing the trajectory of our country and the world, and who have made an impact in society.
“I look forward to reading history journals and about real-life events where I can take information, dissect it and apply it to my own life,” she said.
“Being part of the school’s debate team has also given me the platform and stage to unpack different topics and have meaningful engagements.
“I have been part of the provincial debating team for KZN and was selected for the national trials but could not attend due to financial constraints.”
The teenager has a firm foundation in her faith, is a church-goer and is part of the youth department.

PURSUING her dream to one day play professional rugby, Grade 11 Aquadene Secondary School learner Nothando Mthembu keeps a strict training schedule to perfect her skills. The avid sportswoman fell in love with rugby soon after starting the sport, as well as the discipline and life skills it has taught her. Heading up the school’s rugby committee, Nothando says having a great coach and supportive team has been the  game changer, and she promotes the sport to attract more females to play. Having soaked up the 2023 Rugby World Cup experience, Nothando said the matches kept her on edge as she found them nerve-wrecking yet inspirational with all the fantastic talent on show. She plans to study psychology in Cape Town and pursue a professional career in rugby.
Keeping a balance with her academics and sport, Nothando’s subjects include dramatic arts and agricultural management practices, and she believes these subjects will open doors of other opportunities should she  decide to take a different career path. She is also part of the school’s book club, as well as the gardening and poultry projects which support the school’s nutrition programme.

WELL-travelled learner Gemma Soldat (17) is all about positive change.
The St Catherine’s headgirl spent six weeks in Rome, Italy and did a historical tour of Germany.
Part of the Rotary short-term youth exchange, her time overseas has given her a broader perspective on life.
“It was an eye-opening experience; life is very different aboard,” said Gemma.
She is the president of Interact and the prime example of a stellar pupil.
Her love for others is a quality everyone admires most about her.
In addition to being a leader, Gemma enjoys tennis, netball and swimming.
Explaining how she manages her time she said, “I am fortunate to work quickly!
“I am good with time management and I plan efficiently.”
She loves playing board games with her family and enjoys reading and sewing in her spare time.
When it comes to her plans for the future she said, “I’m not sure what I’d like to study yet but I have some time to figure that out while reaching my full potential.”

EMBODYING the meaning of her name, which means ‘beautiful’, is Omuhle Thwala.
The Khombindlela Secondary School Grade 8 learner was recently crowned as the Miss Pre- Teen Valentine of 2024.
Her poise and grace while on stage made her an instant crowd favourite.
As with so many pageants, Omuhle had to prove why she personifies style, grace and humility.
Her big heart, contagious smile and love for people are just some of the characteristics that make her beautiful.
With her first year in high school off to an amazing start, she is looking forward to what lies ahead.
For now, she enjoys her new title and being the newest brand ambassador for Miss Pre-Teen Valentine.

A soccer star in the making, Aquadene Secondary School learner Luyanda Mhlamba earned his spot in the Richards Bay Football Club Reserves as a midfielder last season.
The 18 year old matric student, who has been involved in soccer from a young age with Bay United FC and Crusaders FC, is continuing to make his mark on the soccer field.
He finds it a privilege to have been selected for the Multichoice Diski Championship U23 side, which is the reserve team of the Richards Bay PSL side.
The Diski team is known for its fastpaced and attacking style of play, led by experienced coaches who have a wealth of knowledge and playing experience. Mhlamba, who is also a prefect, strives to balance his sport and academics as he focuses on his final year of high school.
The Aquadene youngster has a goal to pursue a soccer professional career but also wants to venture into business management studies as well as agriculture to ensure he has several income streams.

ASPIRING dermatologist, Lungiswa Buthelezi is more than meets the eye!
The Grade 12 Richem Secondary School (RSS) pupil is not only a top achiever, but a competitive athlete.
She has been selected to be part of the South African Schools Netball team and provincial athletics team for two consecutive years.
“Being part of the selected squad improved my abilities as a teammate and individually,” explained Lungiswa. “My mother always says that sport helps to develop character.”
Balancing sports and school work might be a challenge for most, but Lungiswa is an efficient planner who does it effortlessly.
Her short-term goals include flying the RSS flag high and going to university.