ABOUT:
The KZN Premier Spelling Bee works according to knock-out, where spellers are given a list of pre-chosen words (which are published in titles belonging to Media24 KZN Local News) two months before the competition. These words have to be learned by entrants, who will then gather at competitions in their areas, namely Zululand, Durban and North Coast, Pietermaritzburg or the South Coast, to
spell their way to glory. The competition is open to grade 10 and 11 pupils (one from each grade – ie two per school) from previously disadvantaged schools who speak English as a second language. HISTORY:
The KZN Spelling Bee started in Zululand, on the North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, as the Zululand Spelling Bee. From inception, the competition garnered massive support from schools and pupils. The inaugural event saw more than 400 people cram into the uMhlathuze Auditorium. To date, the Zululand event is seen as a premier educational event in the area and draws pupils from as far afield as Pongola. Local corporates and businesses in the area embraced the competition, as did the local municipalities, with mayors and Queen Thandi Zulu being visitors to the competition. In 2014, the Office of the Premier of KZN was approached to partner on the event. From this year (2014) the event will be held in four regions in KZN.
