Growsmart 2026 Finals showcase academic excellence across the Western Cape
Growsmart 2026 Finals showcase academic excellence across the Western Cape
27 October 2026
The Growsmart Western Cape 2026 Finals, held on 24 October 2026, brought together some of the province’s most talented Grade 6 learners in a celebration of academic achievement, creativity, and problem-solving. Learners competed in the programme’s three flagship categories: Mathematics, Literacy and Story Writing.
Now in its 16th year, Growsmart remains a valued partnership between Growthpoint Properties and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), dedicated to promoting excellence in literacy, numeracy, and creative expression among primary school learners across the province.
A highlight of the event was the Story Writing Competition, where Markyle Alberts, a Grade 6 learner from Hawston Primary School, claimed first place with an imaginative and engaging story, The Day My Shadow Refused to Follow Me.
In the Mathematics Competition, Constantia Primary School emerged as the provincial champion. John D Crawford Primary School secured second place, followed by Meadowridge Primary School in third place. Chris Nissen Primary School and MM Mateza Primary School completed the top five rankings.
The Literacy Competition saw Parkdene Primary School take top honours, with Eikendal Primary School and Yellowwood Primary School achieving second and third place, respectively. Teske Primary School and Swartberg Primary School also delivered impressive performances, rounding out the top five.
For the winning Parkdene Primary School team, the competition was about more than taking home the top prize. Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Grade 6 learner Mesuli Jalisa said: “No matter what challenges you face, you can achieve your goals if you work hard, stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.”
Her teammate, Kayrie Fortuin, encouraged other learners to embrace the opportunity to participate: “Participate and pay attention to what is being said. Sometimes it can be nerve-wracking, but taking part helps you overcome challenges you never thought you could.”
The competition offered significant rewards for excellence, with winning learners receiving educational bursaries valued at R20 000, while the winning schools were awarded R350 000 to support educational development and enrichment initiatives.
Congratulations to all learners, educators and schools who participated in the 2026 finals. Their commitment, perseverance and outstanding performances contributed to an inspiring and memorable conclusion to another successful year of the Growsmart programme, reaffirming the importance of literacy, numeracy and creativity in preparing learners for future success.
