The Final Competition took place at the East London International Convention Centre on Saturday, 7 September 2024, where the top-performing learners in literacy, mathematics, and story writing were honoured.
Launched in 2010, Growsmart is a nationally and internationally recognised initiative fully supported by the Eastern Cape Education Department and the Flagship Programme of the Western Cape Department of Education. The programme, aimed at improving educational outcomes in underperforming schools, enhances the learning experience of intermediate learners in grades 4, 5, and 6 through an engaging and interactive curriculum-based competition. The focus areas of literacy, story writing (creative writing), and mathematics are designed to positively impact learners' educational journeys.
2024 Eastern Cape Competition
The Eastern Cape competition began in May, with learners from various educational districts, including East London, King Williams Town, and others, progressing through rigorous rounds and semi-finals. In the finals, 15 learners in each of the literacy and mathematics categories and 10 in story writing advanced. The winners of the 2024 competition are:
The 15 finalists in the Literacy Competition were selected from a pool of 315 participants. They were tested on their ability to spell, define and use words in sentences, as well as their knowledge of verbs, nouns, idioms, and adjectives. The winners are:
1st Place Stepping Stone Junior School, Komani, Gqeberha
2nd Place Triomf Primary School, Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha
3rd Place Fanti Gaqa Primary School, Mdantsane, East London
Stepping Stone Junior School’s accomplishment has also earned them an iPad Lab worth R350,000, fostering future learning and promoting positive educational outcomes.
In the Mathematics Competition, 15 finalists out of the 315 participants tackled questions ranging from BODMAS to problem-solving and mental maths. The winners are:
1st Place Mzoxolo Primary School, Mdantsane, East London
2nd Place Stepping Stone Junior School, Komani, Gqeberha
3rd Place Joe Slovo Primary School, Uitenhage, Gqeberha
The Story Writing Competition is a project-based, mentor-led event in which learners submit their own original written stories.
1st Place Nonzwakazi JSP, Iva Tshambu
2nd Place Dalrose Full Service School, Kaiden Wright
3rd Place Southbourne Primary School, Esoxolo Mhlonitshwa
Most Creative Inner City Primary, Oluthando Mnana
The winning schools were awarded prizes to further support their educational efforts.
Inspiring future leaders
Jewel Harris, Founder of Growsmart and General Manager of Growthpoint Properties Cape Town, applauded the dedication and talent of this year’s participants. “Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year's interactive programme. It has been more focused, relevant, engaging, and innovative than ever before. Well done to the winning learners, mentors, and schools.”
Shawn Theunissen, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Growthpoint Properties, added, “The winning learners and mentors represent the leaders of tomorrow and today. We’re incredibly proud of them all. Investing in positive social impact across the entire education value chain not only transforms lives today but also shapes future generations.”
A Platform for Continued Success
Growsmart provides a platform for learners to thrive academically and personally, with the opportunity to apply for the Growsmart Bursary Programme, further supporting their educational journey.
As Growsmart concludes its seventh year in the Eastern Cape, the programme continues to expand its reach and impact and is also celebrating successes in the Western Cape and Limpopo. The initiative remains committed to creating opportunities that enable communities to thrive and to nurture future global citizens within a more inclusive society.
Congratulations to all the Eastern Cape winners!
