Competition Calendar

2026 Season

Competition Calendar

The 2026 South African Spelling Bee season promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet. Learners from across the country will once again have the opportunity to celebrate language, reading, confidence and culture through a truly South African spelling bee experience.

This year’s programme will include multilingual and theme-based content linked to literacy, identity and communication in modern South Africa. The 2026 themes include:

I Am An African
Spelling for Online Safety
1001 Words and Phrases Every South African Should Know
Regional Languages

2026 Season

Open Competitions

Registration for the Open Competitions is currently ongoing HERE.

Aug 08 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Johannesburg Open

Click Here For More Details & Registration

Aug 29 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cape Town Open

Click Here For More Details & Registration

Sep 19 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Durban Open

Click Here For More Details & Registration

Our History So Far

Quick Stats

13+

National Championships

500k+

Student Participants

17+

Tertiary Scholarships Awarded

HEAR FROM OUR GREAT

Spellers, Parents & Partners

RSA Basic Education

The Department values its partnership with A Better Africa and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing literacy initiatives and creating opportunities for learners to excel on both continental and global stages.

Khanya Tolom (Parent)

As a parent, my heart was so full. This is not just about spelling. It’s about the sacrifices, the late nights, the discipline, the courage… and seeing it all come together like that, in such a powerful space, brought me to tears.

RSA Basic Education

The event was executed with a high level of professionalism and excellence, reflecting your dedication and commitment to promoting literacy and educational development across the African continent.

Khanya Tolom (Parent)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Mr Roger Dickinson and your beautiful wife , the entire South African Spelling Bee team. You are changing lives. You are giving our children a future, a voice, and a global stage.