The Western Cape Education Minister, David Maynier, had the honour of delivering exciting news to Hawston Primary School on Friday 6 March, that its Grade 4 learner Zawyin Gillion had claimed top honours in the 2025 Story Stars creative-writing competition.
The annual Western Cape Education Department competition, designed to inspire literacy and storytelling among Grade 4 learners across the province, received its most imaginative entry yet in Zawyin’s captivating tale, “Felix and Felicity and the Crystal of Light”.
‘Zawyin’s story is quite the adventure, written both imaginatively and creatively, with excellent punctuation, spelling and vocabulary throughout,” Maynier noted in announcing the win.
As this year’s overall provincial winner Zawyin’s magical story has been transformed into a fully-animated short film, the young author providing the narration and appearing as the brave hero Zaywin alongside beloved characters Felix and Felicity. The film premiered during Maynier’s school visit, bringing the learner’s imaginative tale of siblings discovering a glowing map and embarking on a quest for the legendary Crystal of Light to vibrant life.
The competition’s success reflects dedicated teaching, with Grade 4 educator Maurisia Booysen and principal Neil Pedro earning praise for encouraging student participation.
The 2026 Story Stars competition has officially launched, inviting all Western Cape Grade 4 learners to create something unique with entries due 15 May.
• Felix and Felicity and The crystal of Light: In a quite village nestled between misty mountains and whispering forests two siblings, Felix and Felicity, discovered a strange glowing map inside an old book in the attic. It showed the way to the Crystal of Light, a magical gem said to protect the land fromdarkness.
Excited and curious Felix and Felicity set off on an adventure. But as they reached the edge of the Dark Forest storm clouds rolled in and a coldshadow crept of the land the map began to fade and they lost their way. Suddenly a bright figure appeared, slicing through the shadows like a beam of sunlight.
It was Zaywin, a legendary hero known for bravery and wisdom. “You are not alone,” he declared. “I’ve been watching over you.” With Zaywin leading the way they crossed rivers, climbed cliffs and outsmarted trickyforest creatures. At last they reached the crystal’s resting place guarded by a huge stone beast.
Felix and Felicity were frozen in fear. But Zaywin stepped forward, held out a hand glowing with light. The Beast said with a deep growl: “Who dares come to my home?”
Zawyin took a deep breath, then: “I am Zaywin I’ve come to protect my friends and the forest.” The beast said softly: “I guard the forest and keep it safe. Kindness and courage are stronger than fear”. The beast calmed and bowed and left. Together they returned the crystal to its pedestal and sunlight burst through the clouds.
The village cheered as light and peace returned. Felix and Felicity had started the journey but it was the hero Zaywin who saved the day.
