By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
The ability to spell is alive and well, as 100 high school learners demonstrated when they participated in a spelling bee at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU).
The event, held on Saturday, 16 August 2025, was a partnership between the NWU and the North West Department of Education.
The event followed in the footsteps of the 2024 NWU Intercampus Spelling Bee, during which the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, called for initiatives that strengthen language learning and encourage academic growth at high school level.
The spelling bee was conducted in English, Afrikaans and Setswana, and brought together learners from schools across the province. It provided a valuable platform to build learners’ confidence, enabling them to prepare for the future.
Platform for collaboration
Welcoming the participants, Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture and the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, emphasised the care taken at the NWU to create a safe, conducive and supportive environment for all.
“As you walked around, you might have noticed that we are building new facilities and working on projects such as a water purification system. All these efforts reflect our commitment to supporting learners and students.”
Jim Molautsi, acting campus chief director for the Mahikeng Campus, pointed to the collective effort that made the competition possible.
“It encourages us to see parents making time to support their children’s education. This competition would not have been possible without partnerships between the NWU, the Department of Education and our teams. This is a pilot project, and we hope to build on it to deliver an even stronger event next year.”
Gift Ramadie, acting deputy director-general for curriculum at the Department of Education, explained the role of language in education. “Language is the bridge to knowledge. By equipping our learners with strong language skills, we are not only preparing them for examinations but also for higher education and the world of work.”
Competition results
Afrikaans Spelling Bee
· First place: Warona Kuntwane, Tigerkloof Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
· Second place: Mudiwa Matope, Kismet Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
· Third place: Thabisile Ndlozi, Sunrise View Secondary (Bojanala)
Setswana Spelling Bee
· First place: Keolebogile Tsimele, Jan Masibi Secondary (Ngaka Modiri Molema)
· Second place: Tshepang Xekwana, Mogwase Technical High (Bojanala)
· Third place: Gosego Mosalaesi, Pinagare Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
English Spelling Bee
· First place: Bophelo Noke, Zeerust Combined School (Ngaka Modiri Molema)
· Second place: Goitsilee Motheo, Modise Kanono Secondary (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati)
· Third place: Kitso Mokgwatshane, Letsatsing Science School (Ngaka Modiri Molema)
The winners received cash prizes of R5 000 for first place, R2 500 for second place and R1 000 for third place in recognition of their performance.
Jim Molautsi, acting campus chief director for the Mahikeng Campus, and Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture and the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, at the spelling bee competition.
Dignitaries from the NWU and the North West Department of Education who attended the spelling bee at the Mahikeng Campus.
Learners from across the province participated in the competition hosted by the NWU in partnership with the Department of Education.>/p>
Jim Molautsi, acting campus chief director for the Mahikeng Campus (far left), with Mr F Hanif, provincial English coordinator (far right), and the winners of the English, Afrikaans and Setswana spelling bee categories.
