By THABO MOTLHABI
WORDS became weapons of knowledge as young learners from across the West Rand battled it out in a lively competition designed to sharpen their spelling, vocabulary and reading skills.
The annual Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition, hosted by the Thandeka Knowledge Hub Foundation, was held at the Gauteng Provincial Archives Centre in Kagiso 2 on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Primary school learners competed in two categories, Grades 4-5 and Grades 6-7, putting their language skills and digital knowledge to the test.
The initiative aims to nurture a culture of reading while introducing young learners to digital literacy from an early age. Beyond the competition, learners were encouraged to build confidence, expand their vocabulary and see education as an enjoyable journey.
Participating schools and organisations included Aim for Stars Afternoon Program in Orange Farm, New Revelation Children Hope in Kokosi, Shine for Hope Developers in Simunye, Greenhills Learning Academy in Greenhills, Toekomsrus Primary School and Malerato Primary School in Mohlakeng.
Atlegang Twala of Shine for Hope Developers emerged as the top achiever in the Grades 4-5 category, while Keisha Nimrod of Toekomsrus Primary School topped the Grades 6-7 category.
The founder of Thandeka Knowledge Hub Foundation said the programme was about much more than winning trophies.
“The Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition is a literacy intervention programme. It develops literacy, vocabulary skills, reading, confidence and, most importantly, lifelong learning,” the founder said.
Yolelane Yokela, a teacher from Malerato Primary School, said programmes of this nature can make a lasting difference.
“Such programmes will boost confidence and create a culture of reading among our learners while using modern technologies,” Yokela said.
The event ended on a high note, with all participants receiving certificates and the top achievers being rewarded with trophies for their dedication, participation and achievements.
