BITOU SPELLING STARS 2026 — Celebrating Our Literacy Champions!
August 2026
What an afternoon of talent, determination, and celebration at the Bitou Spelling Stars 2026 Awards Ceremony, held yesterday at Formosa Primary School!
After months of preparation, practice, and plenty of spelling challenges, our young Spelling Stars gathered to celebrate their achievements across English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa. From the youngest competitors to our Grade 8 and 9 learners, it was wonderful to see so many young people stepping up to the challenge and discovering just how much they are capable of achieving.
Our guest speaker, Mr Mark Mosdell, Head of the Principals’ Forum, shared an inspiring message centred on gratitude—a timely reminder to appreciate the people, opportunities, and support that help us grow and succeed.
A huge congratulations to our winning schools!
English Home Language – Grades 1–7: Kwanokuthula Primary School English First Additional Language – Grades 8–9: Kwanokuthula High School Afrikaans Home Language – Grades 1–7: Harkerville Primary School Afrikaans Home Language – Grades 8–9: Plettenberg Bay Secondary School isiXhosa Home Language – Grades 2–7: Phakamisani Primary School
We are incredibly grateful to the Bitou Municipal Libraries and their dedicated librarians who served as our judges, and to our wonderful volunteer word announcers who gave their time and energy to make the competition possible. Your contribution to literacy in Bitou is invaluable.
A special thank you also goes to our generous donors and sponsors OTTO 1890, Dianne Kloka-Speight, Adrian Speight, and J. Maree, whose support helped make this year's competition and awards possible.
And, of course, to the teachers, parents, and learners—thank you for showing up, putting in the work, and embracing the challenge. The certificates and medals are wonderful, but the real victory is seeing young people grow in confidence, language ability, discipline, and a belief in their own potential.
Every word learned is another door opened. Every learner who finds their voice is a little closer to discovering what they can achieve.
Congratulations to all our 2026 Bitou Spelling Stars!
Keep learning. Keep practising. Keep shining!
