Oudtshoorn, 07 November 2023 – The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Youth department, in collaboration with the C J Langenhoven Library and the Department of Education, has once again successfully hosted the Oudtshoorn Spelling Bee for all scholars in our community on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2023. This event is more than just a spelling bee; it’s a celebration of words, a path of learning, and a 14-year journey that celebrates the essence of learning and language in our schools.
The Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, Alderman Chris Macpherson opened the event and welcomed the competitors, judges, and the audience. “Spelling is words and the correct spelling of words is very important and adds to your intelligence in written communication. This is your chance as participants to show how great you are with words,” Mayor Macpherson said as he wished them all the best.
Back in 2009, this program began its mission to make spelling exciting and inclusive. Originally focused on secondary schools, the competition expanded to include primary schools after two years, recognizing the importance of early learning development. Since the inception of the Spelling Bee, 11 secondary schools and approximately 25 primary schools have eagerly participated in this annual spelling bee, igniting enthusiasm among students and teachers.
We are pleased to announce and congratulate the winners in the following categories:
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Grade 4 – Mia- Lee Sabawa(Haarlem Primary)
Grade 5 – Paiton Philander (Saturnus Primary)
Grade 6 – Brentonicia October (St Konrad Primary)
Grade 7 – Lea De Kock (Van Reede Primary)
Overall Winner: Brentonicia October (St Konrad Primary)
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Grade 8 – Lucia Campher (Dysselsdorp Secondary)
Grade 9 – Rudolph Anthony (Protea Secondary)
Grade 10 – Embrocia Koelman (Bridgton Secondary)
Grade 11 – Macaulay Rabie (Dysselsdorp Secondary)
Over All Winner: Embrocia Koelman (Bridgton Secondary)
The personnel of CJ Langenhoven Library and the Youth Department of Planning and Development Department would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the generous sponsors for their invaluable support and contribution to the Spelling Bee. The sponsors are as follows: Cango Wildlife Ranch, Cango Caves, Metropolitan, Wimpy, Midas, Miles Verwe, Kialo Enterprises, Hyundai, Beans About Coffee and PNA.
The success of our event would not have been possible without your generous support, and we are deeply thankful for your involvement. Your dedication to our cause is commendable, and we look forward to the opportunity to continue this partnership in the future.
The Spelling Bee team aspires to extend this event to the Garden Route, inviting schools from the district municipalities to engage in an exciting spelling showdown, pitting their skills head-to-head.