Grade Seven learners in Gert Sibande District showcase skills at annual Spelling Bee
Thistle Grove Combined School was crowned the overall winning school, while Makwe Thato of Kinross Primary School claimed the individual winner's title.
Learners from 31 schools, including schools for learners with disabilities, took part in the seventh annual Spelling Bee competition at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club on October 22.
Grade Seven learners from schools across the Gert Sibande District competed.
Thistle Grove Combined School was crowned the overall winning school, while Makwe Thato of Kinross Primary School claimed the individual winner’s title.
In second place was Blessing Mannya of Secunda Christian Academy. Iminqweno Mangala from Sasolia Primary School was third.
The winner of the recited poem was Oarabile Noko of Cum Laude Academy. She was awarded R1 000.
Participating primary schools included Allan Makhunga, Sasolia, Highveld Ridge, Jeugkrag, Thorisong, Highveld Muslim School, Secunda Christian Academy, Laerskool Leandra, Amazing Grace Academy, Hlobisa, Sidingulwazi, Osizweni, Stanwest, Thistle Grove Combined School, PE Mayiza, Thandanani, Highveld Christian College, Sharpeve, Nyandeni, Ethembeni, Thandeka, Zamokuhle, Cosmos Private Academy, Igugulabasha, Ulwazi Sizakhele, Langelihle and Cum Laude Academy. Schools catering for learners with disabilities were George Hofmeyer, Osizweni Special School and Basizeni Special School.
The judging panel for the school competition comprised Thembi Sambo, an author, publisher, entrepreneur and community servant; Thobile Mogale, regional manager for the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation; Advocate Tracy Keen Horak, who brought integrity, fairness and attention to detail to the panel; and Safiya Bhyat, a qualified accountant and educator.
A dedicated team of judges and an interpreter supported learners with disabilities.
The team included Mandisa Makhubela, a social worker at the Secunda Mental Health Office; Solomon Kumalo, a social worker; and Mbali Thwala, an administrator at the Zimeleni Disabled Association Office in eMbalenhle.
Jabulile Soko from the DeafSA office in eMbalenhle provided South African Sign Language interpretation to ensure that deaf learners could participate in the competition.
