Digital Spelling Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition Inspires Young Learners
Thabo Motlhabi
Miss Thandeka Legae, founder of the Thandeka Knowledge Hub Foundation, recently hosted the Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at Gauteng Provincial Archives Centre, Kagiso 2.
The educational initiative brought together primary school learners from various schools in West Rand, with participants competing in two categories: Grade 4-5 and Grade 6-7.
This annual Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition fosters the creation of a culture of reading while introducing digital literacy to primary school learners from an early age. The competition provided participants with an opportunity to develop their vocabulary, language and spelling skills while also encouraging their digital literacy. Although the campaign was educational, it was designed to be fun and engaging, creating an atmosphere where learners could explore learning opportunities and express themselves confidently as they progress through their academic journey.
Schools and organisations that took part in the Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition
* Aim for Stars Afternoon Program (Orange Farm)
* New Revelation Children’s Hope (Kokosi)
* Shine for Hope Developers (Simunyi)
* Greenhills Learning Academy (Greenhills)
* Toekomsrus Primary School
* Malerato Primary School (Mohlakeng)
Two outstanding top achievers according to their categories:
Atlegang Twala: for Grade 4-5 (Shine for Hope Developers)
Keisha Nimrod, Grade 6-7 (Toekomsrus Primary School)
Miss Thandeka Legae, founder of the Thandeka Knowledge Hub Foundation, highlighted the importance of this initiative, such as the Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition, in encouraging learners and building their confidence and self-belief in their abilities.
“The Digital Spelling Bee Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition is a literacy intervention programme. It develops literacy, vocabulary skills, reading, confidence and, most importantly, lifelong learning. Parents and educators should support learners (we refer to them as ‘whizzing with words’). Whizzers must know they are all winners and should continue to practise those words.”
This initiative aims to promote literacy and a culture of reading among learners both at home and school. It encourages parents and educators to support learners in using modern technology as a tool for education while making the learning experience enjoyable.
From Malerato Primary School, Mr Yolelane Yokela, as a teacher, emphasised the importance of encouraging learners to participate in programmes of this nature.
“Such programmes will boost confidence and create a culture of reading among our learners while using modern technologies. From today, they have learnt a lot and will take it from here. As educators, we also saw where our learners struggle, and we will work on it.”
The competition provided learners with an opportunity not only to test their spelling and dictionary skills but also to learn, interact and develop confidence through technology.
The Digital Whizz and Dictionary Whizz Competition demonstrated the importance of combining literacy, technology and fun to inspire young learners and encourage them to become confident, lifelong learners.
At the conclusion of the programme, all participants received certificates, while top achievers, according to their categories, were awarded trophies in recognition of their outstanding dedication, work, participation and achievements.