PUPILS were buzzing with excitement when they recently battled for the top spot at the District 9 Annual Spelling Bee competition held at the Westville North Library. 

Approximately 15 pupils were selected to represent their schools at the prestigious event. Rajen Govender, the district manager, explained that the Department of parks, recreation and culture asked the district’s schools to each elect approximately three pupils as representatives.

“In most cases the schools hosted mini Spelling Bees to select their representatives. The top achievers in those competitions were thus encouraged to participate in this Spelling Bee,”he said. 

Govender also said that the Spelling Bees are held to promote and foster a culture of reading in the communities. In the end it seemed that the girls were thriving under the pressure, as Asanda Majozi and Salma Moor Mohamed, of Star College, claimed first and second place, respectively. Sinqobile Aangel Chili, of Westville Girl’s High School, scooped third place. 

Majozi said her English teacher helped her earn the tittle of top speller. “Our teacher encouraged us to test each other on a daily basis and to read as much as we could,”said the proud pupil.