The Soweto Theatre was the setting for the fifth Mzansi Spelling National finals where young spellers from across South Africa came to compete for the Mzansi spelling bee crown.
Spokesperson for the event, Lucy Mofokeng said, “We are proud of all 27 spellers who flew their provinces’ flags high, including Gauteng province word nerds, Amahle Mbelwe from Rand Girls’ School, Habeeb Shonubi from Salvazione Christian School, Faizaan Gani from Michael House School and Zameer Dada from Sacred Heart School.”
The first Africa Spelling Bee champion and three-time champion, Zameer Dada from Sacred Heart School won the Drones category and Habeeb Shonubi took the 2016 Honey Bee title.
Mofokeng said, “Special thanks to all schools, teachers, parents and Gauteng province communities who supported these little soldiers in their 2016 Mzansi Spelling Bee journey.
“Sending gratitude to all Gauteng schools who open their doors and special thanks to local community media houses who made the public aware of the work we do.”
The contest saw over 450 people attend the 2016 Mzansi Spelling Bee national finals to cheer on these brave little ones.
Mofokeng said, “Nothing eradicates ignorance like understanding. In time, we hope to have a generation of South African children who can appreciate their differences, while upholding the humanity in the other.
“Lastly, we thank all schoolchildren who had the courage to become Mzansi Spelling Bee Word Nerds; you are all winners!”
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