Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Sibitelo neMisebe Competition, organised by Imisebe Publishing in partnership with the technology company Technosol, commenced with great enthusiasm.
This unique spelling bee competition aims to preserve the siswati language while incorporating modern technology.Pupils from various schools across different regions battled it out to secure a spot in the national championships.
With the aid of technological devices, such as tablets provided by Technosol, the competition embraced vibrant technological skills.
The competition kicked off on May 23, 2023 at Mfanyana Hall in the Manzini region, featuring eight selected schools: Swazi National High, Mliba High, Lechwelight High, Dwalile High, St-Micheals High, Ndwandwe High, Zamani High, and Dvudvusini High Schools.
Dwalile High School, Ndwandwe High, Lechwelight High and Swazi National High Schools proceeded to the semi-finals. In an exciting outing, Dwalile High School triumphed over Ndwandwe High School with a score of 41-32. The games between Lechwelight High School and Swazi National High School was a nail-biter, with Swazi National High School emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 56-55.
competition
Day-two of the competition took place on May 25 , 2023 in the Shiselweni region, featuring eight selected schools: Mncikazi High, Oslo High , Jerusalem High, Ebenezer High, Salem High, Yaun Tong High, Hlathikulu Central High and Joppa High Schools.
Hlathikulu Central High and Ebenezer High Schools secured spots in the finals after defeating Mncikazi High and Salem High Schools, respectively. In the highly-anticipated finals, Hlathikulu Central High School emerged victorious, defeating Ebenezer High School with a score of 54-49, thus claiming the Shiselweni regional championship.
On the third day May 30, 2023, the competition moved to the Lubombo region. The participating schools included Nyetane High, Ntandweni High , Mphundle High, Mbokojweni High , kaShewula High, ka-Phunga High , Gamula High and Mphompota High Schools.
After fierce competition, Gamula High, Mphundle High, Mbokojweni High and Nyetane High Schools emerged as the semifinalists.
In the finals, Gamula High School outperformed Mbokojweni High School, securing the Lubombo regional championship.
The Hhohho regional finals concluded on June 2, 2023, featuring Ekudvwaleni High, Enhlanganisweni High , Mdzimba High, Ebuhleni High, John Wesley High, Mangweni High, Nkonyeni High and Hawane High Schools.
In an intense battle, Ekudvwaleni High School emerged as the Hhohho regional champions after a challenging battle against Mdzimba High School.
With the regional competitions concluded, the top schools from each region— Swazi National High, Hlathikulu Central High, Gamula High and Ekudvwaleni High Schools proceeded to the finals which were held on June 30 at the Royal Science and Technology Park.
Swazi National High School and Gamula High School made it to the finals, with Swazi National winning the competiton.
persevere
Siphesihle Cindzi, Sinikiwe Maphosa and Tandzile Dlamini managed to win the siswati Spelling Bee Competition after a competitive session.
Guest of honour Professor Zodwa Motsa-Madikana shared with the pupils that they should persevere our language.
When a language is lost, part of that culture is lost.
By the same measure, when language is preserved, the traditions and customs continue living in the hearts and minds of those who understand it. Our mother tongue in this case is siswati and it plays an important role in building our personality and influencing our cultural identity.
Languages are not only a medium of communication but are also powerful tools for preserving our culture and heritage.
When a language dies, a part of the culture also dies with it.
Hlobisile Stromvig, who is the founder of Sibitelo neMisebe said she was extremely excited that the competition ran smoothly as this one was a trial however it will now become an annual event.
Stromvig thanked all partners who partnered with them to make the competition a success.
RSTP’s Senzo Malaza said that they were delighted to be part of this brilliant initiative which preserves the siSwati language.
He encouraged pupils to enter spelling bee competition as it results in several benefits.
The spelling bee not only provides a valuable educational
experience for your child, but also allows them to engage in healthy competition.
The Sibitelo neMisebe competition has successfully combined the promotion of the siswati language with the integration of technology.
By engaging pupils in a thrilling spelling bee format, the competition has contributed to the preservation and revitalisation of siswati while embracing modern educational tools. As the competition progresses to the national finals, the participants are eager to showcase their skills and vie for the ultimate title of national champions.
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