Laerskool Kreft Primary School learner Mihle Jongwana (13) has not stopped collecting spelling bee achievements.
Jongwana finished second at the South African Literary Association (SALA) final round which took place in Laerskool Kragbron, Mpumalanga.
Jongwana started participating in spelling bee competitions last year.
He has since been awarded with certificates at each stage of the competitions he participated in.
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He said that despite being good at spelling bee competitions he wishes to take a different career path and he believes that these competitions that he is participating in will come in handy once he starts with his career journey.
“I want to do music as I’m a very good singer and I believe that I can make it in the music industry.
“English is my favourite subject, I love it because I like words and I believe that is why I managed to go this far in the spelling bee competition.
“I take most of my time learning new words,” Jongwana said.
He said that he would consider himself as a funny person and is always happy.
He tries to keep his head up even when he is facing a lot of challenges in life and lives by the quote, “Things may come to those who wait but only the things left by those who hustle”.
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Jongwana’s coach, Zinhle Mthombeni said that Jongwana is a relaxed and quiet young man and he believes in himself more than anything.
“He is not particularly noisy. Despite his modest demeanour, one could mistakenly assume he is shy, but he’s not.
“He enjoys playing, singing and praying, but one thing stands out about him, he believes in himself, and intrinsic motivation drives him,” Mthombeni said.
Jongwana said that his coach encouraged him to compete in the spelling bee competition and he further added that it’s a lot of nerve wrecking pressure but he eventually used to it.
Mthombeni further added that training with Jogwana was a fascinating experience, although she was worried if he will be able to pull this through.
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“I was a little worried because of his laid-back attitude, which made me question whether he was ready. I had to learn to trust him, even if it wasn’t simple.
“He was ready, just as he’d stated. His parents provided significant assistance and support.
“As we advanced to the provincial stage, I came to know that I had partnered with a young, talented, but modest boy, and he did not disappoint,” Mthombeni added.
