A Grade 6 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Local Municipality, Mbulelo Tom snagged first position in the 2025 South African National Spelling Bee Final Competition.
Tom walked away with a prize of R15 000,00, and a laptop from Cell C. He is expected to represent South African Spelling Bee in the African Junior Championship Spelling competitions to be held in Zimbabwe next year.
The competition took place from 10 to 11 December 2025 in Sun City near Rustenburg.
The North West province was represented by four learners, namely: Tom from Klerksdorp Primary School; Amarachi Ekwua from D.P. Kgotleng Primary School in Mafikeng; Igberas Botlhale from Mmatope Primary School, Jericho, near Brits; and Mbali Hlongwani from Diphetogo Primary School in Jouberton, near Klerksdorp.
The four learners obtained top positions during the provincial Spelling Bee competitions, and that allowed them a passage to compete at a national level.
Igberas from Mmatope Primary School, Jericho, near Brits, reached the final top 16 and was eliminated in the final round, whilst the other learners were eliminated in the early stages of the competition.
The MEC for Education in the province, Viola Motsumi encouraged learners not to despair if they do not achieve the top national position, emphasising that their effort and potential extend far beyond a single result.
“I would like to motivate those learners who have not obtained the top position at national level not to despair at all. By competing at the national level, it shows that you are the best. I would like to thank the educators and parents who continued to support these learners until this far”, said Motsumi.
Motsumi congratulated Tom and the Team North West for representing the province with determination and commitment.
“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I take this opportunity to congratulate the entire Team North West for representing the Department. I also wish to convey my special congratulations to Mbulelo Tom for obtaining first position in the Spelling Bee Competitions,” Motsumi said.
