College of Human Sciences
Unisa to host the 6th Multilingual Spelling Bee Competition
From 25 to 29 August 2025, Unisa’s Multilingual Spelling Bee team was on the road to prepare learners from various districts in the Gauteng Province for a competition to be held in September this year. The event, which forms part of the Language Festival led by the College of Human Sciences (CHS), also commemorates Heritage Month.
The Unisa Multilingual Spelling Bee Team preparing learners at Mamelodi Teacher's Centre
The Multilingual Spelling Bee Competition is an innovative event that celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes multilingualism in South African communities. This unique competition challenges learners to spell words from different languages, thereby reflecting the rich linguistic tapestry of our nation. By incorporating multiple languages and using language proficiency as a scoring mechanism, the event aims to inspire a love of languages and foster a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of South Africans.
According to Prof Siyasanga Tyali, Director of the School of Arts (CHS), the process of visiting schools is a vital part of the competition. He stated: "Our team visits the schools to assist and inform learners and teachers of the competition’s structure and proceedings. The competition seeks not only to showcase the linguistic prowess of learners, but also to enhance multilingualism across the country." Tyali continues: "With focus on participants in Grades 8-11, the competition encourages young minds to engage with languages beyond their mother tongues, and to develop a broader perspective on language and culture."
Team giving feedback during the competition workshop
Assisted by the Department of Basic Education, schools across Gauteng were invited to participate in the competition, with each hosting preliminary elimination rounds to select top performers who will represent their respective schools in the finals. To ensure fair representation and diversity, each school can send a maximum of two participants, who will be asked to spell words in at least three languages, including their mother tongue.
The competition will consist of four rounds, which are designed to progressively challenge and assess participants' language skills. This year’s winner will walk away with R5 000 and a laptop, the second runner-up will win R3 500 and a tablet, while third prize is R2 500 and a tablet.
The team consists of the following members: Dr Napjadi Letsoalo, Jimmy Mabina, Dr Sibongile Mabena, Dr Kganathi Shaku, Mapitso Maboa, Neliswa Mzimba, Thabisile Mchunu, Dr Dakalo Takalani, Mamoya Letsheleha, Jabulani Sibanyoni, Thembinkosi Ngomane, Palesa Seleke, Otshepeng Moletsane, Kgabo Maphoto, Makwarela Modau, Dr Lethabo Masha, Dr Itumeleng Masisi, Justice Mdhluli, Karabo Mafetsa, Dr Relate Mnisi, Zintle Mshengu, Thilivhali Mukosi, Delvah Mabaso, Jennifer du Plessis, Rethabile Mokoke, Ntombizethu Nyakambi, Sibusiso Klaas, Lavani Mlambo, Unathi Ndlelantle Ngada, and Katlego Pilane and Nnana Jege (CHS Communication and Marketing).
The competition will be held in the ZK Matthews Hall at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus on 19 September 2025. It will also be streamed on YouTube.
* By Nnana Martina Jege, Communications and Marketing, College of Human Sciences
Publish date: 2025/09/18
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