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.
The Guardian 