Killarney resident crowned African Spelling Bee champ
SAXONWOLD – Sacred Heart College learner has excelled in the African Spelling Bee competition.
Killarney resident Zameer Dada was crowned the inaugural champion of the first African Spelling Bee competition held at Riverstone Lodge in the Cradle of Humankind.
Dada managed to triumph over 26 of the best spellers from nine African countries to claim the title.
Children from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi and South Africa represented their countries in the competition.
Alma Wanjiku from Kenya and Bethlehem Kidane Tedla from Ethiopia shared the runner-up spot.
Dada, a Sacred Heart College pupil, was the national Mzansi Spelling Bee championship last year and in 2014.
“The purpose of the spelling bee is to encourage reading. I love reading. My favourite genre is fantasy,” Dada commented.
The delegates and children from the different African countries enjoyed dinner at the lodge which was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and were entertained by musicians Africa Zazi.
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They were then invited to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund’s annual children’s celebration held in Saxonwold where Dada was asked to emcee the event.
South Africa’s famous storyteller, Gcina Mhlope, as well as the famous Bafana Bafana football coach, Shakes Mashaba, were among the special guests.
To add to the fun, all of the competitors were then taken on a tour of Vilakazi Street to see Nelson Mandela’s home in Soweto.
The 2017 African Spelling Bee competition will be held in Ethiopia.
