Mbulelo Tolom, a Grade 7 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, was among Team South Africa’s standout performers at the championship, held from 13 to 20 July. North West department of education spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule said Tolom was the youngest member of the six-member South African team.

Despite competing against older learners from across the world, Tolom delivered an exceptional performance, finishing sixth overall in the individual rankings.

“Individually, Tolom achieved an impressive sixth place in the World Spelling Bee Championship, competing against learners from higher grades and demonstrating exceptional spelling ability, determination and resilience on the international stage,” said Mantshule.

Tolom’s latest achievement builds on his remarkable success in 2025, when he won the South African National Spelling Bee finals in Sun City. That victory earned him a place in Team South Africa for the African Junior Championship Spelling Competition in Zimbabwe, where South Africa claimed first place ahead of Nigeria and the host nation.

The learners qualified for the World Spelling Bee after progressing through several rounds of the competition, beginning at school level before advancing through cluster, local, district and national competitions.

Team South Africa returned home with a gold medal from the World Spelling Bee Championship after delivering an outstanding performance at the prestigious international event.

North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi congratulated the team on its achievement and praised the learners for flying the South African flag high.

“Allow me to congratulate Team South Africa on this exceptional achievement at an international level. Their performance demonstrates the high quality of education provided in our schools and confirms South African learners can compete with the very best in the world.” 

Motsumi reserved special praise for Tolom, describing his performance as inspirational.

“I am also exceptionally proud of Mbulelo Tolom for achieving sixth place overall in the World Spelling Bee Championship. As the youngest member of Team South Africa, Mbulelo competed against learners from higher grades and from some of the best schools across the world. 

“His achievement proves one’s background does not determine one’s destination, but that hard work, determination and commitment can lead to success.”

She said Tolom’s accomplishment should inspire learners across the country to pursue excellence.

‘It's a testament to the quality of education’

“Mbulelo has shown that South African learners have the talent and confidence to compete on the global stage. He is an inspiration and a positive role model for many young people in the North West Province and across the country," added Motsumi.

The department said the team’s performance at the World Spelling Bee Championship is a testament to the quality of education in South Africa and highlights the country’s growing competitiveness in international academic competitions.

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