15/07/2026
Go!KOSH Local News:
Klerksdorp Learner Heads to the Spelling Bee World Cup in China
15 July 2026, Klerksdorp
Klerksdorp has every reason to be proud!
Twelve-year-old Mbulelo Tolom, a Grade 7 learner at Klerksdorp Primary School, has been selected to represent South Africa at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China.
According to the North West Department of Education, Mbulelo is one of only six learners nationwide chosen to represent the country after consistently excelling in spelling competitions.
His journey to the world stage has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2025, Mbulelo won the South African National Spelling Bee Finals held at Sun City, earning him a place in the African Junior Championship Spelling Competition in Zimbabwe. There, Team South Africa claimed first place, finishing ahead of Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The Spelling Bee competition challenges learners through several rounds, beginning at school level and progressing through cluster, local education area, district and national competitions. The programme aims to promote literacy, reading, language development and academic excellence among South African learners.
North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi has congratulated Team South Africa and wished them every success as they prepare to compete against the world's best young spellers. She praised the learners for their hard work and encouraged them to remain confident as they showcase South African talent on the international stage. She also acknowledged the dedication of the teachers who have helped nurture their success.
We join the Department of Education in wishing Mbulelo and Team South Africa the very best for the competition. The entire KOSH community will be cheering him on as he represents Klerksdorp, the North West, and South Africa on the world stage.
Good luck, Mbulelo—we're incredibly proud of you!
Written by: Hanlie Liebenberg, Go!KOSH
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