The event, which aims to boost language proficiency and academic excellence, is a direct result of the successful inter-campus Spelling Bee held in 2024, said NWU spokesperson Oscar Mosiane. “It’s designed to encourage high school learners to become proficient in different languages.”

MEC was impressed

The partnership with the department of education was solidified when MEC Viola Motsumi was so impressed by the 2024 event that she requested a follow-up, said Mosiane. “The competition will feature English, Afrikaans, and Setswana to reflect the university's multilingual and cultural diversity.”

The event is a key part of the university’s community engagement strategy, aiming to strengthen its engagement with schools that are based in deep rural areas. The initiative is also a component of the university’s student recruitment efforts, with plans to provide future benefits for participants who apply to NWU.

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Department, NWU ‘share mandate’

Elias Malindi, head of communication at the department of education, highlighted the shared goal between the department and the university.

“Our common mandate is to ensure that the learners we produce are going to be fit for purpose in the future,” said Malindi. The department has already identified 100 learners from across the four districts of the North West Province to participate in the competition.

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“If we start them that young, they will be within the system until they reach matric, they will be better people even when they have completed their matric year,” he said. Malindi added that the department is providing support and resources to schools through subject advisors and curriculum officials to help students prepare.

This partnership is not a one-time event, and Malindi confirmed that it is an annual activity expected to continue for many years.

 OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cvs