The North West Department of Education is proud to announce that Mbulelo Tolom, a 12 year old, Grade 7 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Local Municipality, has been selected to represent South Africa at the Continental Spelling Bee Competition to be held in Zimbabwe from 18–21 March 2026.
Last year, Mbulelo Tolom won the 2025 South African National Spelling Bee Finals held in Sun City. By winning the national title, he earned the opportunity to represent South Africa at the African Junior Championship Spelling Competition, which will be hosted in Zimbabwe.

The participants in the competition won the spelling competition from School, Cluster, Local Education Area, District and National level. The Spelling Bee Competition promotes literacy, reading, language skills, and academic excellence among learners.

The MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi wished the best of luck to Mbulelo Tolom and the entire team representing South Africa in the continental competition.
“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I take this opportunity to wish our learner, Mulelo Tolom the best of luck together with the entire South African team which will be participating in the Spelling Bee competition. As the Department we are exceptionally proud that one of our learners is part of the team that will be competing with the best in the continent.

“Let me also take this moment to congratulate all the educators for their sterling work in nurturing this talent. Without our educators, we would not be able to identify and develop learners with such remarkable potential. Their dedication and commitment continue to inspire learners to strive for excellence and reach greater heights”, added MEC Motsumi.

The trip to Harare is fully funded by the Department of Basic Education, while the provincial department will cover all local travel costs for the learner and one accompanying adult.