Spelling Bee

30 Sep 2025
News

Soweto’s Brightest Young Minds Shine at the Maponya Mall Spelling Bee Finals

Soweto, 16 September 2025 – Maponya Mall proudly hosted the grand finals of the Maponya Mall Spelling Bee Competition this past weekend, bringing together families, schools, tenants, and community members for a powerful celebration of literacy, learning, and community spirit.

The competition, which began with over 850 student applications, saw more than 300 learners compete in preliminary rounds. After weeks of spelling challenges, the finals on Saturday, 13 September 2025 brought together the Top 30 Junior Spellers and Top 20 Senior Spellers in a thrilling showdown at the Food Court of Maponya Mall.

After intense rounds and tie-breakers, the champions were crowned:

Junior Champion: Lance III Mtoba from Masibambane College, awarded R12,000 and an additional R10,000 towards his school.

Senior Champion: Lethabo Lethabane from Hoërskool President, awarded R12,000 and R10,000 towards his school.

Maponya Mall extends sincere gratitude to sponsors and tenants for their generous support:

McDonald’s and Spur sponsored meals during the preliminary rounds, ensuring participants were supported throughout the competition.

Cell C, as signature sponsor, provided electronic gadgets for the Top 3 winners in each category as well as goodie bags for all participants.

The finals were filled with excitement and community spirit as learners showcased not only spelling excellence but also confidence, perseverance, and a love for literacy. Families, schools, and supporters brought an atmosphere of celebration with cheers, banners, and words of encouragement. Music and entertainment added to the vibrancy, turning the finals into a true community event.

“This Spelling Bee has been an inspiring journey,” said the Maponya Mall Management Team. “We are proud to have created a platform that not only develops academic excellence but also strengthens the bonds between learners, schools, and our wider Soweto community.”

The Maponya Mall Spelling Bee highlights the centre’s ongoing commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community connection, reinforcing its role as a hub where opportunities and talent come alive.