Spelling Bee Finals

Soweto, December 2025 – Maponya Mall is proud to celebrate the successful journey of the Maponya Mall Spelling Bee, an initiative launched with a clear vision to promote literacy, inspire academic excellence, and empower young learners within the Soweto community.

The Maponya Mall Spelling Bee was conceptualised as more than just a competition. It was designed as a platform that encourages a love for language, builds confidence, and creates meaningful opportunities for learners to showcase their skills. Literacy lies at the heart of future success, and Maponya Mall remains committed to supporting educational development as a key pillar of its community initiatives.

The response to the competition exceeded expectations. More than 850 learner applications were received, with over 300 learners progressing to the preliminary rounds. Over several weeks, participants engaged in a series of spelling challenges that tested not only their academic ability but also their perseverance and composure. Schools, families, teachers, and community members played an active role in supporting learners throughout this journey.

Following the finals hosted at Maponya Mall in September, two exceptional learners were selected as overall winners. The Junior Champion is Lance III Mtoba from Masibambane College, and the Senior Champion is Lethabo Lethabane from Hoërskool President. These learners demonstrated outstanding spelling proficiency and confidence throughout the competition.

Maponya Mall proudly announces that both champions will represent the centre and the Soweto community at the National Spelling Bee Final taking place on 11 December at Sun City. This milestone reflects the growth of the Spelling Bee from a local initiative into a nationally recognised opportunity.

Maponya Mall also extends its sincere gratitude to its tenant, Cell C, for sponsoring gadgets worth R120 000, which added immense value and excitement to the competition.

Maponya Mall congratulates the winners, their schools, and all learners who participated in the competition. The centre encourages the broader community to show their support as these young ambassadors take the next step in their spelling journey and represent Soweto on a national stage.

The Maponya Mall Spelling Bee reaffirms the centre’s ongoing commitment to literacy, youth development, and community upliftment. By investing in education and creating platforms for young talent to thrive, Maponya Mall continues to play an active role in shaping a brighter future.

For more information, visit www.maponyamall.co.za

Follow Maponya Mall on Facebook at facebook.com/MaponyaMall

Maponya Mall

Old Potchefstroom Road and Chris Hani Road

Soweto