I started the competition because I had always wanted to enter a spelling competition and one night, whilst driving to watch Hidden Figures, I told a friend and she said I should just start one, so I did. I never could have imagined that the simple challenge to do it myself would lead to the birth of a change agent. The Dept of Basic Education refused to endorse us when we started and to date, we still run the competition from our own pockets with the help of volunteers but we have a great and give learners in this country (who may not be athletically inclined) an opportunity to find their competitive spirit and bring their A game. For kids who spend their free time reading dictionaries, we give them an opportunity to win a trophy of their own off the sports field.

We have seen the confidence of learners grow throughout the 2017 and 2018 campaigns and are convinced that the impact we have goes far beyond improving comprehension. With learners from “disadvantaged” schools outperforming those whom we would assume are affluent, the spelling bee is an equal playing field for all learners – regardless of background.

GUEST: Nkateko Mathebula – Founder Master Spelling Bee.