After studying, cramming, learning and practising spelling for the better part of two terms, young people from five townships in Johannesburg and Cape Town held their Spelling Bee final at the Arekopaneng Centre in Orange Farm.

Afrika Tikkun’s Spelling Bee

Five extremely worthy winners from each of the four age groups took home the title of Spelling Bee Champion. They were: Thabiso Manamela (7 – 9 years), Ayanda Baloyi (10-12 years), Eza Mpalisa (13-15 years) and Nqobile Mazibuko (16-18 years).

“The ultimate outcome we are looking for is a general improvement in literacy levels,” explained Onyi Nwaneri, Group Executive: Marketing and Development.

“It’s important that young people still dream of winning. It encourages the spirit of competition, which is healthy for your mind and your spirit, and it gives a real sense of achievement,” adds Career Counsellor, Warren Radebe.

“I was very lucky to be part of the whole thing and to be one of the judges. It was very, very humbling to see the effort the children put in. There were a couple of words that I had no idea how to spell so kudos to them,” said competition judge Ewout Engelbrecht, from Workonline Communications.

Afrika Tikkun wants to warmly thank its sponsors for powering the next generation of Afrika Tikkun young people towards academic excellence. It’s a priceless reward for your investment: Accelerate Property Fund, Indwe Risk Services, Netsurit and Dashpay. Thanks also to all who donated prizes: Waltons, Workonline Communications, Phoenix Consulting and Growright.

Watch the Spelling Bee video on YouTube here

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.