The Office of the Speaker of Mangaung, led by Cllr. Lawrence Mathae, was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the inaugural Spelling Bee & Debate Championship for primary and high schools across the Mangaung region. This remarkable event, held in collaboration with the Free State Department of Education, aimed to foster a spirit of healthy competition and academic excellence among students, while simultaneously enhancing their communication and critical thinking skills.
The championship kicked off with preliminary rounds that set the stage for an exhilarating showcase of talent, intellect, and dedication. Both categories—debate and spelling—proved to be crowd-pleasers, drawing enthusiastic participation from schools eager to bring home the top honors.
In the primary school debate category, students demonstrated remarkable poise and eloquence as they defended their positions on a variety of topics. After several intense rounds of argument and rebuttal, Heide Primary School from Bloemfontein emerged victorious, securing their title after a fierce competition against Bolokehang Primary School from Botshabelo. The spirited debates highlighted the students’ ability to think on their feet and articulate their views, skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in the future.
Meanwhile, the high school debate category showcased an equally impressive display of oratory skills. Lekgulong High School claimed the championship title after a rigorous battle with Tlolanang Combined School from Thaba Nchu. The discussions were lively, with students passionately presenting their arguments and counterarguments, demonstrating not only their knowledge but also their confidence and critical thinking abilities.
Equally thrilling was the Spelling Bee segment, which captivated both participants and the audience alike.
In the primary category, the coveted title went to Reitumetse Mathipe of Tawana Primary in Thaba Nchu, who showcased exceptional spelling prowess. Following closely, Onalenna Kolisang of Tsholetsang finished in a commendable second place, while Moipolai Khuco from Tlolanang Combined secured third place. The competition was fierce, but the camaraderie and sportsmanship among the young spellers added a heartwarming touch to the event.
In the high school category, Oikanyega Ditaunyane of Tsoseletso High School emerged victorious, securing their place at the top of an impressive field. Coming in second was Ntombikayise Ntlhoko from Qibing High School in Wepenner, with Boitumelo Tefane of Bolokehang High School rounding out the top three.
The enthusiasm did not end with the competition results. Both learners and teachers expressed exuberance for the opportunity to engage in such an enriching event. Many extended their gratitude to Cllr. Mathae’s office for initiating this championship, emphasizing how it strengthened community ties as schools rallied together. The Department of Education’s support, particularly in providing the spelling Bee words, was also acknowledged and appreciated, demonstrating a unified commitment to fostering educational excellence across the region.
The Spelling Bee & Debate Championship has set a precedent for future events, encouraging students to embrace their love for learning while honing essential skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. This initiative not only highlighted the remarkable talent within Mangaung but also celebrated the hard work and dedication of both students and educators alike.
As the curtain falls on this year’s championship, excitement is already building for the next edition, where even more schools will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, creativity, and knowledge. In the words of Cllr. Mathae, “Empowering our youth through education will always remain our priority, and we look forward to seeing even greater achievements in the future.”
