EMALAHLENI – Eleven year-old Banele Ngwenya, grade 5 learner from Nelson Ngubeni Primary School, spelt her way to the top in the 6th annual Spelling Bee competition held in Emalahleni.
The competition hosted by the Pink Touch Foundation, took place at Duvha Primary School in Emalahleni on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
The competition had over 240 participants from Duvha, Nelson Ngubeni and Spring Valley primary schools.
After hours of intense spelling rounds, eleven students remained in the final showdown where Banele’s grit outshone the rest to claim the spoils, a trophy and a HP laptop.
It was indeed a proud moment for the young champion and her school.
“I am happy and proud that my school won for the second time in a row. Would like to thanks my teacher for helping me practice everyday, and my parents for encouraging and supporting me all the way,” said Banele.
The Spelling Bee competition was founded in 2019 by Ayanda Masuku of the Pink Touch Foundation with aim to uplift black communities by investing in children’s education.
In addition, it is dedicated to empowering young minds and building a brighter future through literacy and academic engagement. “The Spelling Bee competition aims to highlight the importance of learning to read and how much of a privilege it is to know how to read,” Masuku stated. “It also teaches the children that consistency and hard work pay off. It takes months of practice and preparation for the kids to learn all the words we give them.”
This year’s Spelling Bee was made possible courtesy of Anglo Inyosi Coal Community Trust (AICCT), based in Emalahleni and Ogies, as the principal sponsor.
“AICCT is always interested in developing communities. Investing in projects that will enhance the livelihood of children in black communities,” stated Patisa Sotshononda, AICCT’s trust administrator, highlighting the synergy between the foundation’s vision and the trust’s community centred mission.
The Pink Touch Foundation, through initiatives like the Spelling Bee, continues to inspire the next generation, empowering them with skills that go beyond the classroom.
The event has now become a local tradition that both celebrates and cultivates young talent, aiming to build stronger communities and create educational opportunities for years to come.
