Your Word Is: Amaqotha-Qikili — Masakhane’s Bilingual Spelling Bee

Amaqotha. Amaqikili. Beige. Vacuum.

These were some of the words that had 30 Grade 5 and 6 learners thinking carefully before spelling their answers aloud at Masakhane's Bilingual Spelling Bee, held during National Book Week on 10 September.

IMAGE 1: A judge raises a red card to indicate an incorrect word at the spelling bee competition.

Learners from Sea View Primary School, Mhlahlane Primary School and Zithulele Independent School took part, with 10 learners representing each school. Their teachers selected the participants from learners who attend the Masakhane programme. Learners had to work their way through a series of elimination rounds, with those who made it through moving on to the next round.

Importantly, every learner competed in both isiXhosa and English. This meant switching between the two languages as the competition progressed, while listening carefully and thinking about each word before spelling it aloud. Some of the English words, including "beige," "vacuum" and "continuous," proved challenging. On the isiXhosa side, words such as "amaqotha-qikili" tested learners' spelling and vocabulary in a different way.

For some learners, spelling aloud in front of their peers, teachers and the judging panel brought nerves. However, they continued to challenge themselves as the rounds progressed, while also supporting and encouraging one another along the way.

IMAGE 2: Judges are seen overseeing the eager participants, who are filled with excitement and determination.

For Ayanda Paraffin, Masakhane Programme Coordinator, seeing learners challenge themselves was one of the highlights of the day. "My highlight from the Spelling Bee was seeing the learners' confidence and excitement throughout the competition. It was rewarding to see them challenge themselves, support one another and proudly demonstrate what they had learned."

Beyond the competition, this bilingual format also reflected the language skills Masakhane works to develop with learners. The programme supports learners as they move from learning primarily in isiXhosa to an English-medium curriculum from Grade 4, while continuing to build the foundational literacy and numeracy skills they need.

This is particularly relevant as South Africa expands Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education beyond Grade 3. The Spelling Bee reflects this wider conversation about supporting learners as they move between isiXhosa and English, while giving them a practical opportunity to develop their language skills across both.

IMAGE 3: During the spelling bee, judges engage in focused discussions, reviewing notes and ensuring fair decisions at the lively event.

Beyond the pressure of the competition, learners also had to concentrate while waiting for their turn, listen carefully when each word was called and speak their answers aloud in front of others, a chance to practise public speaking and stay focused as the rounds progressed.

IMAGE 4: A proud moment as the spelling bee winner receives a medal, holding a certificate and trophy to celebrate their remarkable achievement at the event.

As the competition went on, the number of learners grew smaller and the pressure increased. By the end, Mhlahlane Junior Primary School was named the overall school winner and received the roaming trophy. Learners who didn't place also received certificates of participation, recognising their involvement in the competition.

For Ayanda, the success of the day also came from the people who helped make it possible, the support from teachers and the judging panel, and the way learners encouraged one another throughout the competition.

Trophies, medals, and a certificate displayed on a blue tablecloth, ready to honour the achievements of participants.

In the end, whether the word was amaqotha-qikili or vacuum, the competition gave learners a chance to challenge themselves, represent their schools and work confidently across two languages.