Lack of funds causes disappointment
Seven spellers failed to represent South Africa in the Pan-Africa Spelling Bee due to a lack of funds.
LYDENBURG – Seven spellers failed to represent South Africa in the Pan-Africa Spelling Bee due to a lack of funds.
The competition took place on Saturday December 6, however, Basetsana Tonga, Martha Phasha, Nqobile Mkhize, Pearl Ngwenyama, Nomshado Simelane, Lindokuhle Ngwane and Praise Mnguni could not attend.
These pupils recently participated in the Mzanzi National Spelling Bee which took place at Soweto Theatre on
November 29 where they qualified for the finals to compete against various countries in Africa.
Ms Maria Masilela, founder of the group and coach, said they were well prepared for the challenge and it broke her heart when she had to tell them that they would not go.
“I tried everything in my power to make sure they go to the final round, I asked for donations and also contacted the Department of Education for assistance but didn’t get help,” she explained.
When the department was contacted, the head of communications, Mr Jasper Zwane said he was not aware that there were seven learners who could not represent the country due to lack of funds and added that competitions such as these could be a challenge when it came to financial assistance, because they had not been initiated by the department.
“In most cases you find that we do not have funds set aside for private projects because if the budget has been approved, there’s not much we can do.
I would like to advise the public to include the department in their plans so that we know about projects beforehand,” Zwane added.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News also contacted the circuit manager of the local department, Mr Mhangane Reubben who said they could not help the spellers because their transport was for schoolchildren and as a circuit, they were not in charge of it.
It is the responsibility of the public works head office.
Masilela said she did not understand why she couldn’t receive assistance since the project was intended to educate and keep children off the streets, so they could read at a level far beyond their grade and age, which would have resulted in improved performance at school.
“We are helping them to focus on things that will better their future. They spend most of their time training and preparing for the next competition. I would like to urge the community and department to help. I want my kids to participate next year and make it to the final,” she added.
