
22/09/2025
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Eminathi Sefa, Alfred Stamper Primary Schoolโs bright senior learner, is preparing to dazzle audiences and judges alike as she gears up to compete at the Sanlam WOW National Spelling Festival next month. Sefa won the provincial round as one of the four learners from Zwelethemba representing the district. WOW is the premier spelling competition in South Africa, hosted by Words Open Worlds (WOW), under the Stellenbosch University Division for Social Impact & Transformation.
After her exceptional display in the provincial round, Sefa earned her place as one of the top 10 contenders in the province to participate at the national level, competing for prestigious prizes and recognition as the competition's champion. While trophies, recognition, and the thrill of competition are exciting, the WOW Spelling Festival aims for more: it seeks to empower learners linguistically, helping them communicate clearly, creatively, and critically.
In her exclusive interview with the publication, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to both her educators and family for their unwavering support, crediting them for helping her advance to the final phase of the competition, where she will proudly represent the Western Cape. "Iโm so excited and honoured to be participating in the National Spelling Bee! Itโs a dream come true to represent my school and community on such a big stage. Iโve worked really hard to prepare, and Iโm looking forward to learning from the experience, meeting other spellers, and doing my best!"
In September of the previous year, Sefa received the title of Book Club Reader of the Year during the annual International Literacy Day event. As the top prize winner, she received a brand-new Lenovo Tab M9 worth R3,000, along with a stationery pack. In the same event, the top reader award for English was presented to Owam Ngulube from ASP, while Siphesihle Michaels from PJB C**a Primary received it for IsiXhosa
ASP Deputy Principal Mlungisi Charles Mpekula stated that as the date of the national finals approaches, the focus is on sharpening, steady nerves, and cultivating calm determination. โWords seldom speak themselves; they must be spelled, understood, owned. We strongly believe our learner (Sefa) is ready to step into the spotlight, to spell playfully, to shine proudly, and perhaps to open new worlds through wordsโ he explained. The national finals are slated for 11 October 2025 at Stellenbosch University.