By Thapelo Molefe
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Thursday received the Africa Spelling Bee Championship trophy after South African learners secured a narrow victory at the continental competition.
The trophy was handed over during a ceremony hosted by the Department of Basic Education, where learners, teachers and school principals gathered to celebrate the achievement.
South Africa emerged champions at the African Spelling Bee Championship held in Harare, beating Nigeria by just 0.1% in what officials described as a tightly contested final. Nigeria had dominated the competition for the past four years before being dethroned by Team South Africa.
Organisers said the competition was conducted in 24 different languages, highlighting the diversity of the continent, and also included sign language spelling, broadening access and participation for learners.
Addressing the learners, Gwarube praised their performance and highlighted the importance of literacy.
“A huge congratulations to our Team South Africa Spelling Bee champions. Your hard work, dedication, and brilliance make us proud. Literacy opens doors to endless possibilities, and you are proof that our children can soar when supported at school and at home. Keep flying our flag high,” she said.
She added that the competition forms part of a broader strategy to improve reading outcomes in the country.
“One aspect of a broader strategy that says we value literacy in this country. And we want to make sure that more and more children in South Africa are able to read for meaning from a very young age,” Gwarube said.
The winning team was selected through provincial rounds, with most participants coming from public schools, underscoring the role of the public education system in nurturing talent. Officials said the competition drew learners from across the country and showcased academic excellence and determination.
Only four of the six team members attended the ceremony, identified as 13-year-old Ashton Singh, 12-year-old Mbulelo Tolom, 14-year-old George van Wyngaard and 17-year-old Xilombe Xivuri.
The team will represent South Africa at the international competition scheduled for July in China.
Speaking to Inside Education, Singh said he was excited about competing on the global stage.
“I’m very excited about it. This is obviously a big leap for spelling Bee. Even just going to the African round was big. But this is on a whole other level,” he said.
“I want to represent my country as well as I can. Even just going to China, being able to meet new people, understand their culture and show them our culture is a big thing for me.”
Singh said he manages nerves by focusing on the opportunity.
“I feel like whenever I get nervous, I just have to think that out of millions who could be here, I am one of them. I’ve worked hard. I have people who want me to win, and I’m motivated by that,” he said.
Officials said the learners’ journey began at circuit level, highlighting the role of schools and educators in nurturing talent and promoting literacy.
The department said the victory reflects the potential of South Africa’s youth and reinforces the importance of investing in reading and language development.
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