Zaywin Gillion shines as the winner of the Story Stars competition
Education MEC David Maynier, Rozanne Gillion, Zaywin Gillion and Wayne Gillion.
Image: Supplied.
Zaywin Gillion, a Grade 4 learner from Hawston Primary School has walked away tops at the 5th annual Story Stars creative writing competition.
The competition, hosted by the The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) aims to inspire a love of reading, writing, and storytelling in young learners and improve literacy across the province. Zaywin took the top honours and the Best English Story prize for his imaginative and creatively written tale, “Felix and Felicity and The Crystal of Light,” which was lauded for its excellent punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary.
As the overall winner, Zaywin's story has been transformed into a fully animated short film, narrated by the young author himself, who is also featured as the intrepid hero alongside the beloved characters Felix and Felicity.
Zaywin Gillion from Hawston Primary School and his “Felix and Felicity and The Crystal of Light” story.
Image: Supplied
Other winners on the day included:
- Best Afrikaans Story and 2nd place: Jandré Visser from Overhex Primary, Cape Winelands.
- Best Xhosa Story and 3rd place: Yonakha Zwelindawo from Nduli Primary, Cape Winelands.
The department extended its thanks to Hawston Primary School Grade 4 teacher Maurisia Booysen and principal Neil Pedro for their dedication in encouraging learner participation. The department also officially launched the 2026 Story Stars competition, inviting all Grade 4 learners in the Western Cape to create the next instalment of Felix and Felicity’s adventures.
Entries for the 2026 competition close on 15 May 2026. The 2026 competition will select one winner in Afrikaans, one in English, and one in Xhosa, with an overall provincial winner chosen from the finalists. Prizes for the overall winner include starring in and narrating their animated video, a tablet, a book bag, and branded stationery. The winning school receives a R10 000 transfer payment for learning and teaching support materials. The 2nd and 3rd place winners also receive a tablet, book bag, and stationery.