Celebrating the Excellence of the South African Child!
The South African Spelling Bee, is the premier national literacy competition, celebrating and nurturing the linguistic talents of young South Africans across all provinces. In partnership with the Department of Basic Education and as part of the National Reading Collective, the programme is aligned with South Africa’s drive to improve reading outcomes and promote a love of language in both English and all South Africa’s rich heritage of languages. Our mission is to develop confident, literate, and globally competitive young people. Through a structured pathway from schools to provincial and national levels, learners build not only spelling excellence, but also confidence, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for reading.
Represent South Africa
Our champions go on to represent South Africa at the African Spelling Bee and other International Championships proudly showcasing the diversity and strength of our nation on a continental stage.
Join us in empowering the next generation of South African readers, thinkers, and leaders—because spelling is just the beginning.
Quick Stats
13+
National Championships
500k+
Student Participants
17+
Tertiary Scholarships Awarded
Spellers, Parents & Partners
Competition update
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F.A.Q
Who Can Enter?
The South African Spelling Bee is open to learners from:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Homeschool groups
- Libraries and community organisations
- Literacy and after-school programmes
Learners may enter either through:
DBE-hosted school, district and provincial competitions,
or
South African Spelling Bee Open Competitions
Age Categories
Junior Division: Learners aged 10–13 years
Senior Division: Learners aged 14–16 years
The South African Spelling Bee encourages participation from learners of all language backgrounds and promotes multilingualism, reading and confidence-building through a positive and exciting competition environment.
How Can I Enter the Competition?
There are Two Ways to enter.
1. Open Competitions
Schools, parents and learners can register directly through the South African Spelling Bee. Registration details at this link
2. DBE-Hosted Competitions
Learners participating through DBE-hosted competitions should speak to their school, district or provincial spelling bee coordinators for information on local school and district events.
Partnerships and Hosting
Schools, libraries, literacy organisations and community groups interested in partnering, hosting or supporting spelling bee activities are encouraged to contact the South African Spelling Bee team.
Contact: info@southafricanspellingbee.co.za
Who Organizes The South African Spelling Bee?
The South African Spelling Bee is a programme of A Better Africa Foundation, registered as Spell It Tutoring NPC (CIPC Registration: 2010/004541/08).
A Better Africa Foundation is recognised by the South African Department of Basic Education as an official spelling bee partner.
The organisation is also a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) with Section 18A status through SARS and is recognised as a Level 1 BBBEE organisation.
Key supporters & Partners
We Are Also Open To More Partnerships & Sponsorships
