The Growsmart Educational Programme

Growsmart 2026 is officially underway. 🚀📚

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been on the road across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape delivering district launches for the 2026 programme — bringing together principals, teachers and district officials at each stop. From familiar faces who continue to carry the programme forward, to new mentors stepping in for the first time, the response has been encouraging and full of energy.

We are also excited to welcome new districts in the Eastern Cape: Sarah Baartman and OR Tambo Inland, further expanding the reach of the programme.

As Growsmart enters its 16th year in the Western Cape and continues to grow its footprint in the Eastern Cape, we remain proud of the partnerships that make this work possible through our ongoing collaboration with WCED and ECDoE. These collaborations ensure that the programme continues to reach schools meaningfully and consistently.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Soli Philander.

Soli was part of the Growsmart journey in earlier years, where he brought his humour, warmth and vibrant personality to the programme as our MC and quizmaster. His presence added a special energy to the competition and created memorable moments for many of the learners and teachers who took part.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this time. May he rest in peace.

📢 Growsmart Level 1: A Milestone for Eastern Cape Learners!

This year, 90 schools across the Eastern Cape participated in Level 1 of the Growsmart competition. Learners demonstrated incredible focus and determination as they tackled challenges in:

📖 Literacy: Spelling, defining words, constructing sentences, and building essential grammar skills.

✍️ Story Writing: Unleashing creativity by crafting stories based on assigned or self-chosen topics.

➗ Mathematics: Strengthening mental maths, problem-solving, fractions, and mastering BODMAS principles.

As Level 1 concludes, the enthusiasm and commitment from learners and mentors are a testament to what can be achieved with the right support.

This past Saturday, Butterworth came alive as learners from Amathole East kicked off this year’s Level 1 competition in style! Hosting the largest group of schools ever in a Level 1 Growsmart event, the district proved that big dreams start with bold beginnings.

The atmosphere was electric as learners tackled literacy and mathematics challenges head-on, showcasing incredible teamwork, creativity, and resilience.

Amathole East has set the bar sky-high!
Next up: East London and ECK!
Stay tuned as the journey continues and the competition heats up.

Growsmart 2025 is OFFICIALLY LIVE!
We’re buzzing with excitement as the Growsmart 2025 competition kicks off with incredible energy and enthusiasm across the Western Cape! Here's a quick recap of all the action so far:
📍 Cape Winelands (19 Feb)
Worcester leaders showed up for 9 schools – the future is looking bright! ✨
📍 Overberg District (26 Feb)
Mentors in Bredasdorp came in strong – 9 schools are ready to ‘grow smarter’. 🌱
📍 ECK District (25 Feb)
George schools smashed expectations with 23 schools (from 21 invites) showing up to lead the way. 👏
📍 Metro Central & Metro North (28 Feb)
✅ Metro Central: 25 schools – 100% attendance! Principals and mentors were on fire! 🔥
✅ Metro North: 15 schools showed up, proving they’re ready to shape future legends. 🎓
📍 Metro East & Metro South (5 March)
✅ Metro East: 13 schools. Quality and focus? ✔️
✅ Metro South: 18 schools bringing all the energy and vision. 💡

🚨 What’s Next?
Eastern Cape Champions! Are you ready to step up and groom future GrowSmarters?
Let’s create a generation of unstoppable learners! 🚀

🌟 Let’s hear it for all the principals and mentors making a difference in young lives.

Happy World Teachers' Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible educators who inspire, guide, and shape our future leaders. From nurturing curiosity to igniting a passion for learning, your impact is immeasurable.

Let’s honor our teachers by sharing a memory that made a difference in our lives. Tag a teacher who inspired you and let them know how much they mean to you!

Today, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of our beautiful nation!
From diverse cultures and languages to rich traditions and mouth-watering cuisines, South Africa is a tapestry of incredible stories and heritage. ✨

How do you celebrate your heritage? Share your traditions with us in the comments! 🇿🇦

Literacy tie breaker alert!

Refreshments on the go, making sure our Growsmart scorekeepers and quiz masters are fuelled up for the Literacy Finals!

Daniel Anderson our legendary Literacy Quiz Master and Khanyisa⁩ Western Cape Project Manager getting geared up for the next round!