Tag Archives: China

Team SA displays exceptional performance at World Spelling Bee Championship

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Picture: Team SA during World Spelling Bee Championship competition/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has congratulated Team South Africa after securing a fourth place at the World Spelling Bee Championship held in Shanghai, China, from 13 to 20 July 2026. The department said among the team’s outstanding performers was a Grade 7 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School, Mbulelo Tolom (13).

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said Tolom was the youngest member of the six-member Team South Africa. Motsumi said individually, Tolom achieved an impressive 6th place in the World Spelling Bee Championship.

“He competed against learners from higher grades and demonstrating exceptional spelling ability, determination and resilience on the international stage. So, we would like to commend the team’s outstanding performance on the international stage.

“This is exceptional achievement at an international level and their performance demonstrates the high quality of education provided in our schools and confirms that South African learners can compete with the very best in the world,” she said.

Motsumi further said she is also exceptionally proud of Mbulelo Tolom for achieving the 6th place overall in the World Spelling Bee Championship. She added that as the youngest member of Team South Africa, Tolom competed against learners from higher grades and from some of the best schools across the world.

“His achievement proves that one’s background does not determine one’s destination, but hard work, determination and commitment can lead to success. Tolom has shown that South African learners have the talent and confidence to compete on the global stage. He is an inspiration and a positive role model for many young people in the North West and across the country.

“Team South Africa returned home with a gold medal from the World Spelling Bee Championship after delivering an outstanding performance at the prestigious international competition,” said Motsumi.

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Urgent intervention underway to assist young South African stranded in China

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Picture: Young artist, Austin Hendricks

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said an urgent situation involving a young South African artist stranded in Guangzhou, China, has been brought to their attention, raising serious concerns about his immediate safety, accommodation, and ability to return home. The DA said Austin Hendricks, an emerging artist from Nelson Mandela Bay, travelled to China after being offered what was presented as a three-month opportunity.

DA NMB mayoral candidate, Retief Odendaal said upon arrival, promised documentation and contractual arrangements failed to materialise. Odendaal said he has since been informed by hotel management that he must vacate his accommodation, while efforts to contact the liaison and agency involved have been unsuccessful.

“With no local support and no funds to secure alternative accommodation or return travel, he faces the very real risk of being left on the streets in a foreign country.  The DA has acted swiftly to address this matter with the urgency it requires, ensuring his safe departure and return to South Africa, with arrangements now focused on securing immediate travel from China.

“In parallel, as mayoral candidate, I have been able to mobilise financial assistance to cover the costs associated with return travel so that Austin can return safely. Support has been confirmed from party structures and additional assistance has been coordinated to ensure that Hendricks can return home without further delay,” he said.

Odendaal further said this intervention is about safeguarding a young person who pursued an opportunity in good faith and now finds himself exposed and vulnerable far from home. He added that ensuring his safety, dignity and return is the immediate priority and every reasonable step is being taken to achieve that outcome.

“This incident serves as a caution to individuals, particularly young artists, to exercise due diligence when accepting overseas opportunities, including verifying contracts, accommodation arrangements, and return travel before departure. Families are encouraged to seek independent confirmation and professional advice where possible to avoid similar situations.

“We will also be lodging a formal complaint with the appropriate authorities against the company involved to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this matter are thoroughly investigated. The DA remains committed to leadership that acts decisively when residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are in distress, whether at home or abroad,” said Odendaal.

He said the people of this city deserve leadership that responds with compassion, accountability, and practical action when it matters most.

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