-Staff Writer / Sun, 14 Dec 2025
A Klerksdorp Grade 6 school pupil from the North West has claimed top honours at the 2025 South African National Spelling Bee Final Competition.
Mbulelo Tolom from Klerksdorp Primary School emerged as the overall winner at the national finals held from 10 to 11 December 2025 in Sun City near Rustenburg.
The Provincial Department spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule said the achievement reflects the strength of literacy development in the province.
“We are extremely proud of Mbulelo Tolom for securing first position at national level. This is a remarkable achievement not only for the learner and the school, but for the entire North West province,” Mantshule said.
The North West was represented by four learners who qualified after excelling in provincial Spelling Bee competitions.
They were Mbulelo Tolom (Klerksdorp Primary School), Amarachi Ekwua (D.P. Kgotleng Primary School in Mahikeng), Igberas Botlhale (Mmatope Primary School in Jericho near Brits) and Mbali Hlongwani (Diphetogo Primary School in Jouberton near Klerksdorp).
Igberas Botlhale progressed to the national top 16 before being eliminated in the final round, while the remaining learners exited the competition in the earlier stages.
MEC for Education Viola Motsumi congratulated Team North West for its strong showing at the prestigious event. She praised Tolom for the outstanding performance and encouraged all participating learners not to be discouraged.
“By competing at national level, you have already proven that you are among the best. I would also like to thank the educators and parents who continued to support these learners throughout their journey,” Motsumi said.
As the overall winner, Tolom walked away with a cash prize of R15 000 and a laptop sponsored by Cell C. The learner will go on to represent South Africa at the African Junior Championship Spelling Competition, scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe next year.
The North West Department of Education has hailed the achievement as a milestone that underscores the importance of academic excellence and learner development in the province.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
