West Rand learners spell it out

In celebration of International Mother Language Day, Thandeka Knowledge Hub hosted its first annual Indigenous Languages Spelling Bee Whizz Competition.

• Also read: One, two, three … it’s a spelling bee!

According to the organiser, Thandeka Legae, the competition was hosted in commemoration of World Read Aloud Day, World Radio Day and International Mother Language Day.

The aim of the competition was not only to encourage the culture of reading from an early age but also to encourage learners to develop their vocabulary and language skills in their mother tongue,” Thandeka explained.

Schools from Rand West City, Merafong and Mogale City attended. Grade four to seven learners who attended were referred to as Whizzers.

“Whizzers were given a list of words to practice before the competition. On the day of the competition, they were asked to spell words from the list. Due to logistics issues, we couldn’t include the Grade Three and English categories. They will have their competition next time,” she stated.

The participating schools competed in two categories and five languages. The competition had 85 participants.

In the Grade Four to Five category, the following learners took the top three spots in each language:

isiZulu:
1. Mbulelo Makabane from Zuurbekom Intermediate School
2. Mbusi Tembe from Zuurbekom Intermediate School
3. Melokuhle Mthabela from Zuurbekom Intermediate School

isiXhosa:
1. Bongiwe Doyera from Maputle Primary School
2. Asandile Sobudula from Munsieville Primary School
3. Ivakele Gogoyi from Maputle Primary School

Setswana:
1. Busisiwe Moreki from Maputle Primary School
2. Michaela Mokae from Sedimosang Primary School
3. Ayanda Moetsadira from Nayaboswa Primary School

Sesotho:
1. Tshegofatso Mokhari from Zuurbekom Intermediate School
2. Tebello Nonyane from Zuurbekom Intermediate School
3. Dikhotsofatso Mhlongo from Matlapaneng Primary School

Afrikaans:
1. Luzane Marks from Hartzstraat Primary School
2. Lesedi Lara from Hartzstraat Primary School

In the Grade Six to Seven category, the following learners took the top three spots in each language:

isiZulu:
1. Amelia Tembe from Thuthuzekani Primary School
2. Kamohelo Mpatheni from Thuthuzekani Primary School
3. Zimbili Ndlovu from Thuthuzekani Primary School

isiXhosa:
1. Ondithandayo Xanase from Maputle Primary School
2. Siyabonga Bewana from Maputle Primary School
3. Linomtha Mtika from Munsieville Primary School

Setswana:
1. Tshiamo Molubi: Nayabusa Primary School
2. Tshepo Modise: Sedimosang Primary School
3. Kabelo Motaung: Setholela Primary School

Sesotho:
1. Lebohang Mosebetsane from Zuurbekom Intermediate School
2. Neo Monageng from Zuurbekom Intermediate School
3. Madibakiso Tikiso from Zurbekom Intermediate School

Afrikaans:
1. Chelsea Pienaar from Hartzstraat Primary School
2. Alunambaliso Bogopa from Randfontein Primary School
3. Deondre Raas from Hartzstraat Primary School

“The participants showcased their vocabulary and language skills.

The audience was spoiled with a great display of the vocabulary and language skills by the learners,” Thandeka said.

All of the participants were neatly dressed in their school uniform. They were given pens, certificates of attendance, reading books and bags. Winners were given trophies, medals, stationery, pencil cases and lollipops.