Western Cape speller Rhyle Adams sets sights on world stage
Western Cape speller Rhyle Adams sets sights on world stage
15 May 2026
Following an outstanding performance at the African Spelling Bee in Zimbabwe earlier this year, Rhyle Adams, a Grade 11 learner from Klein Nederburg Secondary School in Paarl, is now preparing to take on the world’s best young spellers in Shanghai, China, in July.
Rhyle earned his place on the global stage after helping Team South Africa secure first place in the 8th African Spelling Bee in Harare, Zimbabwe in March 2026. Participants were challenged with a diverse range of words drawn from both English and African languages, testing their pronunciation, memory and cultural awareness. For Rhyle, the experience provided an opportunity to showcase his versatility and intellectual discipline at a continental level.
His efforts contributed to Team South Africa’s overall success, as the country topped the team rankings ahead of Nigeria and Zimbabwe. While the team’s victory reflects a strong collective performance, Rhyle’s individual accomplishments highlights the growing strength of literacy development in the Western Cape. His journey underscores the value of consistent dedication and the role that academic competitions play in shaping confident, capable learners.
Looking ahead, Rhyle forms part of a talented group of young South Africans preparing for the next level of competition in Shanghai.
Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, wished him the very best for the competition: “We are so proud of Rhyle’s achievement, and can’t wait to see what he achieves as he represents his school and our province on the international stage! Competitions like these are especially important given the Western Cape’s commitment to improving literacy across grades.”
To support his participation in this international event, Rhyle has launched a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to help cover travel and related costs. Those who wish to contribute can do so via the following link: https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rhyle-spelling-bee-china
