Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
27 October 2026
A 12-year-old learner from Kinross Primary School has made her school proud after securing first place in the individual rounds of the 7th Annual Friends of the Library Spelling Bee Competition.
Thato Makwe, a Grade 7 learner, emerged victorious at the competition held at Graceland Hotel in Secunda on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The event brought together more than 120 learners from Grades 4 to 7, representing 31 schools. Participating schools also included those catering for learners with disabilities, such as Basizeni Special School and George Hofmeyr.
Makwe impressed the judges with her spelling abilities, earning first place in the individual participation rounds. As a reward for her achievement, she received a laptop, calculator, dictionary, medal and certificate.
Despite her young age, Makwe already has ambitious dreams of becoming a surgeon.
Reflecting on her preparation, she credited her teachers and sister for supporting her throughout the process.
“My teachers and my sister helped me a lot in practising how to spell words. I would also like to encourage my fellow learners to participate in school activities, whether it is sports, debate or spelling bees. I am also grateful to everyone who helped me learn the words,” said Thato.
According to Ms Phumlile Ndlovu, learners were provided with a list of 1,000 words to study, including their meanings and how to use them correctly in sentences.
Ndlovu, together with Ms Nhlapho, dedicated additional time after school to help Makwe prepare for the competition.
“We always encourage our learners to take part in the activities and competitions we have at school. We do not choose who participates. We mostly encourage learners not to allow their backgrounds to define them,” said Ndlovu.
Makwe’s victory marks another proud achievement for Kinross Primary School, which has now produced two individual first-place winners in the competition.
In 2023, Banele Zulu also secured first place in the individual rounds, further demonstrating the school’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and encouraging learners to participate in educational activities beyond the classroom.
