Western Cape learners shine at World Spelling Bee in Shanghai

Western Cape learners shine at World Spelling Bee in Shanghai

20 July 2026

Following their success at the 8th African Spelling Bee in Zimbabwe earlier this year, South Africa’s young spelling champions continued to make the nation proud at the World Spelling Bee Championships in Shanghai, China.

Team South Africa achieved an impressive fourth-place overall finish.

Among the standout performers were Rhyle Adams from Klein Nederburg Secondary School in Paarl and Ifeoma Osondo from Milnerton High School, who came up against some of the strongest competitors from around the globe.

Reigning South African Champion, Mbulelo Tolom from Klerksdorp finished sixth in the senior division while Ashton Singh from Durban secured eighth place.

The two Western Cape learners, Ifeoma and Rhyle, progressed through multiple challenging rounds to finish in 10th and 11th place respectively.

The remaining team members, Xilombe Xivuri from Polokwane and George van Wyngaard from Pretoria, reached the gold level and finished among the top 25 competitors.

The achievements of Ifeoma and Rhyle, together with the broader success of Team South Africa, serve as an inspiration to learners across the country.

Their performances demonstrate the value of hard work, perseverance and participation in academic competitions that challenge learners to expand their knowledge and build their confidence.

As they return home from Shanghai, Rhyle, Ifeoma and their teammates can be proud of their accomplishments. Their journey from South African classrooms to one of the world's biggest spelling competitions showcases the talent, determination and potential of the country's young people.