The Department of Basic Education has officially welcomed Team South Africa after achieving fourth place at the Spelling Bee Championships in Shanghai, China which makes the country the highest-ranked African nation at the global competition.
According to the department, the achievement is being celebrated as more than just a spelling success, but as a victory for literacy, education and the determination of young South Africans to compete with the best in the world.
Team South Africa finished fourth overall, behind the United States, China, and India.
The Department of Basic Education says the learners’ achievement proves that South African talent can compete on any global stage when it is nurtured and supported.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube praised the learners, their families and teachers for helping South Africa make history at the inaugural championships.
“The achievements of these young people have proven to us that talent doesn’t reside in particular parts of the country and that if you’ve got the requisite support, if you’ve got the talent and if you’ve got the backing of your parents, of your guardians, of the department, you really can soar high and really represent your country on the world stage.”
“Behind every learner’s achievement is a family that has encouraged, supported and believed in their dreams e world stage, adding that reading remains one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children.
Expanding opportunities through the National Spelling Bee Programme
The Department of Basic Education will continue working with its partners to strengthen and expand the National Spelling Bee Programme across all nine provinces. The goal is to ensure that more learners have access to opportunities that promote reading, literacy and academic excellence.
The programme creates clear pathways for talented young spellers to move from school-level competitions through provincial and national events to continental and world championships. Minister Gwarube congratulated Team South Africa once again on this historic achievement and looked forward to building on this success as the country continues to showcase the strength and competitiveness of its basic education system on the global stage.
