More than 450 learners from 17 schools across South Africa are taking part in a two-day all-girls festival at Wynberg Girls’ Junior School.
The event celebrates leadership, learning and excellence among young women. It brings together learners from different provinces in a shared space.
Wynberg Girls’ Junior School hosts the annual festival this year. The programme includes sport, academics and technology-driven activities.
Packed programme across two days
Fixtures began at 07:00 on Friday 27 March and ran until 18:00. Organisers have planned a similar schedule for Saturday 28 March.
Learners compete in netball, hockey and tennis. They also take part in debating, chess, robotics and eSports.
The activities take place across multiple venues on the school campus.
More than 200 staff members support the event. Close to 500 spectators are also expected to attend.
Theme highlights leadership and growth
The festival rotates annually among schools across the country. This year’s theme is “She leads, she learns, she shines”.
Wynberg Girls’ Junior School spokesperson Wendile Mele said the event gives girls a platform to showcase their talents.
“It is about more than just competition,” Mele said. “It gives young women the space to lead, collaborate and grow.”
Learners reflect on experience
Learners described the event as both competitive and rewarding.
Fiki Stamper, a hockey player from Clarendon Primary School, said her team performed well.
“It has been really good. We have played well as a team. We made a few mistakes, but overall we did very well and won most of our games,” she said.
Quinn Egret, a learner from Collegiate Junior School, said the festival encouraged connection.
“It inspired me to connect with everyone and to have fun playing sports and being together,” she said.
Opportunities beyond sport
The festival allows learners from different provinces to interact and exchange ideas.
They engage in emerging fields such as robotics and eSports. This exposure encourages innovation and teamwork.
School leadership said the environment helps girls grow in both traditional and non-traditional spaces.
Confidence and friendships grow
Jeanne Liss, head of sport at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School, said the festival offers valuable development opportunities.
“It is fantastic for our girls to compete against learners from across South Africa,” Liss said.
“You see real growth, development and camaraderie between the girls.”
She said learners quickly build friendships.
“The girls often run up to me and say, ‘I have made a friend’, and share the name. It is wonderful to see,” she said.
Liss added that the festival challenges learners beyond the classroom.
“They are exposed to debating and robotics. They learn from one another and gain the courage to try new experiences,” she said.
Festival continues
The festival continues on Saturday 28 March. Final fixtures and activities will take place throughout the day.
