The North West Department of Education, in partnership with the North West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus, proudly hosted the first of its kind FET Phase Spelling Bee Competition on Saturday, 16 August 2025. Conducted in English, Afrikaans, and Setswana the competition drew in 100 high school learners from across the province, carefully selected from various participating schools.

This initiative builds on the success of the NWU Intercampus Spelling Bee held in 2024, where the Hon. MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi highlighted the importance of strengthening language proficiency and promoting academic excellence at the high school level. Representing the North West Department of Education, the Acting Deputy Director General for Curriculum, Gift Ramadie, said the spelling bee is for learners with strong language skills.

“Language is the bridge to knowledge. By equipping our learners with strong language skills, we are not only preparing them for examinations but also opportunities in higher education and the world of work. The spelling bee is a fun, competitive and impactful way of building confidence and mastery in our learners,” said Ramadie.

Learners showcased exceptional skill and determination, with the following emerging as top achievers in their respective language categories:
Afrikaans Spelling Bee
– 3rd Place: Thabisile Ndlozi, Sunrise View Secondary (Bojanala)
– 2nd Place: Mudiwa Matope, Kismet Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
– 1st Place: Warona Kuntwane, Tigerkloof Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
Setswana Spelling Bee
-3rd Place: Gosego Mosalaesi, Pinagare Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
– 2nd Place: Tshepang Xekwana, Mogwase Technical High (Bojanala)
– 1st Place: Keolebogile Tsimele, Jan Masibi Secondary (Ngaka Modiri Molema)
English Spelling Bee
– 3rd Place: Kitso Mokgwatshane, Letsatsing Science School (Ngaka Modiri Molema)
– 2nd Place: Goitsilee Motheo, Modise Kanono Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
– 1st Place: Bophelo Noke, Zeerust Combined School (Ngaka Modiri Molema)
All winners receive cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance, with R1000 for third place, R2500 for second place, and R5000 for first place.
The Department commends both NWU and participating schools for supporting this initiative, which continues to inspire a culture of reading, confidence in multilingualism, and the pursuit of academic excellence among young people in the province.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mphata Molokwane || Departmental Spokesperson || Cell: 082 979 3638
Elias Malindi || Acting Head of Communications || Cell: 072 892 8399
Bayanda Zenzile || Media Liaison Officer || Cell: 082 307 6852