Two primary school pupils, Lukhele Siphelele of Salem Primary and Andisa Mlangeni of eQinisweni Primary, have taken top honours in the Shiselweni Primary Schools Regional Spelling Bee and Essay Writing Competition.
The event, which drew participation from 11 schools across the region, was hosted under the banner of the Shiselweni Primary Schools English Teachers’ Association and the office of regional English inspector, Ms Samkelisiwe Nhlengethwa. The competition was held to promote English language use among learners, with support from the Shiselweni Forestry Company and educational publishers Macmillan Education Eswatini.
Siphelele emerged first in the continuous writing category, while Andisa clinched the top spot in the spelling bee. Other winners included Tibusiso Mdluli and Lesedi Zwane from eQinisweni and Mthonjeni Primary Schools, who placed second and third respectively in the essay writing segment. In the spelling bee, second and third places went to Nokulunga Gina of Ngozi Primary and Nkosiyethu Dlamini of Ngwane Primary.
Held in the Shiselweni region on Tuesday, the contest gave learners a platform to demonstrate their command of the English language in front of educators, peers, and guests, including Mr Mvezi Dlamini, who sat in on the essay writing section.
Inspector Nhlengethwa described the competition as a tool to build learners’ fluency, improve their confidence, and foster a love for language. She noted the importance of English proficiency in supporting academic success across all subjects, aside from SiSwati and other languages taught in schools.
Macmillan Education Eswatini’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Mr Mbuso Sacolo, praised the initiative as one that goes beyond competition, saying it adds meaningful value to classroom learning. He commended teachers and schools for enrolling learners, and said Macmillan remained committed to advancing literacy and quality education in the country.
The competition’s next stage is scheduled for June 26.
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