Harmony Primary pupils shine at Phendulani Literacy Quiz
Harmony Primary pupils celebrate a 1st and 2nd place finish at the 2025 Phendulani Literacy Quiz. From left to right: Imra Orrie, Jessie Nyirenda, Qadriyah Davids, Aminah Kalemba, Zayaan Wippenaar, Tiego Brown, Imrah Taliep, Israh Taliep, Mervedi Waba, Saadiq Williams, Shiloh van Wyk, and Kendra Johannes of Harmony Primary Schools’ Team 1 and Team 2.
Image: Supplied
Harmony Primary School in Steenberg has delivered a story of resilience and achievement, with pupils taking first and second place at the 9th annual Phendulani Literacy Quiz.
Muizenberg Junior School hosted the event on Tuesday, October 21.
The Phendulani Literacy Quiz aims to promote reading, comprehension, and critical thinking among pupils in under-resourced schools. It rewards participants with book prizes and encourages a love of reading that goes beyond the classroom.
Eleven Harmony pupils represented the school, one short of a full team, after safety concerns led a parent to keep a child home.
Despite this, Harmony Team 1 narrowly beat Harmony Team 2 by a single point, securing the top two positions among 12 competing teams from six schools.
The pupils had prepared for months, studying 12 books under the guidance of volunteers from HELP (Homework Enrichment Lifeskills Programme), who coached them every Monday and Wednesday during school intervals.
Their hard work paid off during a four-round competition filled with excitement and laughter.
Harmony Primary staff expressed deep gratitude to the HELP volunteer team and congratulated the pupils on their perseverance and outstanding results.
“The Phendulani Quiz makes pupils forge friendships and creates a climate of collaboration and care. Not only are literacy skills developed, but life skills that enhance each participant's life,” said Colleen Rustin, a Grade 6 educator.
Principal Mrs Manasse added: “A big ‘well done’ to our amazing pupils who shone brightly in the Phendulani Competition. You make us all proud – keep shining, keep striving, and keep believing in yourselves.”
Pupils shared their excitement about the event.
Shiloh van Wyk said, “I enjoyed working together and reading books. It expanded the way I see things and my imagination grew.”
Zayaan Wippenaar added, “The experience was amazing. We learned teamwork, gained knowledge, and had so much fun.”
Another Grade 6 pupil said: “I enjoyed this amazing experience and the knowledge that I learnt. The fun questions and teamwork made it special. I made new friends and people got to smile because of the quiz.”