My Journey as a Spelling Bee Champion: Lessons in Perseverance and Growth

By Lesedi Tefane

My journey as a Spelling Bee champion began when I was in Grade 6 at Rekgutlile Primary School in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg. I never imagined that spelling could be so exciting—it made my heart race like I was riding The Tower of Terror at Gold Reef City! Every time I spelled a word correctly, I felt more confident and motivated to keep going.

With the incredible support of my teachers, spelling coaches, and officials from the Gauteng Department of Education, Johannesburg South—Ms. Nicolene Bihl-Thomas, former Afrikaans and English Subject Advisor; Ms. Mapula Hlongwane, Deputy Chief Education Specialist; and Ms. Kai Crooks Chissano, Founder of Camp I Am—I pushed myself to new heights.

Eventually, I won the 2016 Gauteng Provincial Spelling Bee and represented my province in the Department of Basic Education’s National Spelling Bee. Through the Spelling Bee, I also had the chance to meet the late Kaya FM presenters Bob Mabena, and  Nomakula Kuli Roberts; house music producer, DJ Ganyani; and US rapper and singer Jidenna. These experiences showed me that education truly opens doors, but success isn’t always easy—it requires perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to face challenges head-on.

Thanks to Mrs. Shayda Arbee from Imperial and Ukhamba Community Development Trust (Imperial and Motus), winning the Spelling Bee also earned me a full educational bursary to Al-Aqsa School, a private high school in Johannesburg,. But while my transition from primary to high school was exciting, I quickly realised that achieving success in one stage doesn’t mean the next will be easy.

Overcoming Challenges

I wish someone had told me that having achieved it all in primary school did not mean that it would also be smooth sailing in high school. Starting high school felt like stepping into a completely different world. On my first day, I proudly wore my grey trousers and crisp white shirt, only to find that all my classmates were dressed in kurtas, topees, and hijabs—traditional Islamic attire. I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, even though my classmates were welcoming.

I suddenly found myself in an environment where I didn’t speak the same home language as my classmates, and I couldn’t relate to their interests. The soapies I loved watching with my family? No one knew them. The things I thought were “normal” felt completely different from what my classmates were used to.

At times, I felt isolated and questioned if I really belonged. But here’s what I learned: Being different is okay. It’s not always easy, and school might feel tough, but you have to keep pushing through.

I had to adjust to so many new things—learning Afrikaans with no prior knowledge, understanding Islamic greetings like As-salamu alaykum (which means Peace be upon you), and even wearing a uniform that felt unfamiliar to me. Despite these differences, I realised that challenges make us stronger, and resilience is key.

Parents, here are some valuable lessons that helped me navigate these tough times, which you can share with your children.

Tips for a Successful School Year

1. Embrace Being Different
   School won’t always be easy, and sometimes you’ll feel like you don’t fit in—but that’s okay! Use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Celebrate your uniqueness and stay confident in who you are.

    

2. Set Clear Goals
   From day one, set academic and personal goals for the year. Having a clear direction keeps you motivated. Whether it’s improving your grades or joining a new extracurricular activity, make sure your goals are achievable and measurable.

   Parents, encourage your child to set three meaningful goals:

• • 📚 One for school (e.g., improve math skills)
  • 🎨 One for a hobby (e.g., learn to paint)
  • 🤝 One for making friends (e.g., join a club)

     

3. Ask for Help
   One of the most valuable lessons I learned was not to struggle in silence. If you don’t understand something, ask your teachers or classmates. There’s no shame in needing help—it’s part of the learning process.

No one succeeds alone. Learners should feel comfortable asking teachers, friends, and family for support when they need it. Parents, create an open space for your child to talk about their challenges.

4. Balance Work and Play
   Success isn’t just about academics—make time for hobbies, family, and self-care. Help your children create a balanced routine that includes study breaks and fun activities.

5. Stay Open to Learning
   I learned that there’s so much to gain from listening to the experiences of others. Whether it’s your teachers, parents, or classmates, there’s always something to learn. Be open to advice and apply it where it fits.

Parents, encourage your children to set their goals and stay focused. With the right mindset and support, they can achieve anything!

As you step into this new year, remember: success isn’t just about talent; it’s about effort, perseverance, and embracing every opportunity to learn. You’ve got this!

About the writer

Lesedi Tefane is now 20-year old and begins his first year of university (in 2025). He has plans to study for a Bachelor of Laws degree. We are soooo proud of him!