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Annual Branch Libraries’ Spelling Bee celebrates multilingualism and literacy

Top winners in all three languages (from left): Samkelo Gwaza (isiXhosa 1st Place – M.M. Mateza Primary School), Caydee-Leigh Cherry (Afrikaans 1st Place – Pacaltsdorp Primary School), and Ferguson Van Wyk (English 1st Place – Pacaltsdorp Primary School).

George Municipality’s Annual Branch Libraries’ Spelling Bee brought together eight primary schools for a highly contested celebration of literacy, language and learning at a packed Conville Library on 11 September 2026. This year’s competition was particularly significant as learners competed in all three official languages of the Western Cape – Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa – highlighting the Municipality’s commitment to promoting multilingualism, inclusion and a love for reading and language among young people.

All Nine Winners, three per language: The top nine participants across the Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa categories display their trophies and medals following the George Municipality’s Annual Branch Libraries’ Spelling Bee

The judges: The panel of judges who oversaw the competition across all three official Western Cape languages during the annual event at Conville Library.
The competition was marked by a high level of participation and competitiveness, with learners demonstrating their spelling, vocabulary and language skills across all three languages. The winners in each language category will represent George Municipality at an Inter-Municipality Spelling Bee Competition in Oudtshoorn.

George Librarians and organisers of the Spelling BEE: George Municipality library staff and event organizers gathered on stage at Conville Library following the successful hosting of the Spelling Bee.

The participating schools were:
1. Pacaltsdorp Primary School
2. New Dawn Park Primary School
3. Heidedal Primary School
4. St Paul’s Primary School
5. M.M. Mateza Primary School
6. Thembalethu Primary School
7. Tyolora Primary School
8. Kretzenshoop Primary School

According to Janetta Rhode from George Municipality’s Libraries, the initiative is aimed at creating an inclusive environment in which learners can develop essential language skills, build self-esteem and connect with their peers through a shared love of learning. “The Spelling Bee emphasises inclusivity, innovation and community engagement to inspire learners from diverse backgrounds. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to excel and discover the joy of words,” said Rhode.

The Spelling Bee aims to cultivate a lifelong passion for words and learning, improve literacy and vocabulary skills among young people, and foster confidence, public speaking and critical thinking. It also provides an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion through educational and extracurricular activities.

In front are some of the judges and the attendees: Judges seated in the foreground as learners, parents, and supporters fill Conville Library during the Spelling Bee competition.

Dr Kosie Haarhoff, who was Acting Director: Community Services at the time of the event, said initiatives such as the Spelling Bee provide valuable opportunities for learners to develop their skills in a supportive and engaging environment. “Schools, libraries and community organisations interested in participating in the Spelling Bee programme are encouraged to contact their local library for more information,” said Haarhoff.

Afrikaans winners
• 1st Place: Caydee-Leigh Cherry – Pacaltsdorp Primary School
• 2nd Place: Lawrendo Muller – Pacaltsdorp Primary School
• 3rd Place: Kaylen Bruinders – St Paul’s Primary School
• Winning School: Pacaltsdorp Primary School

English winners
• 1st Place: Ferguson Van Wyk – Pacaltsdorp Primary School
• 2nd Place: Si Yan Di – St Paul’s Primary School
• 3rd Place: Uthandolwethi Dingawayo – Thembalethu Primary School
• Winning School: Pacaltsdorp Primary School

IsiXhosa winners
• 1st Place: Gwaza Samkelo – M.M. Mateza Primary School
• 2nd Place: Matewu Okuhle – M.M. Mateza Primary School
• 3rd Place: Asante Ganto – Thembalethu Primary School
• Winning School: M.M. Mateza Primary School

Prize-giving
The Afrikaans prize-giving was conducted by Dr Kosie Haarhoff, Acting Director: Community Services; the English prize-giving by Mr Franklin Lamini, representative of the Western Cape Education Department’s Safe Schools Programme; and the isiXhosa prize-giving by Mr Wayne Windwaai of the Youth in Action Foundation, sponsor of the floating trophies.

Growing the Spelling Bee
The Spelling Bee initiative was launched in 2022 at Conville Library, with only one school, Conville Primary School, participating. The initiative has grown over the years, with schools such as Heidedal Primary School, which were last year’s winners in both the Spelling Bee and Book Review competitions, and Rosemoor Primary School subsequently joining the programme.

The continued growth of the initiative demonstrates the important role that libraries can play in supporting literacy, language development and lifelong learning among young people.

ENDS