The 2024 African Spelling Bee Competition, originally scheduled to run from December 19 to December 22 in Abuja, Nigeria, has been postponed to April 2025. Six Zimbabwean learners, who had eagerly prepared to compete, will now have to wait until April 9-13, 2025, for their opportunity to showcase their spelling skills.
The competition, which attracts thousands of participants from across Africa, aims to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote literacy among young learners. It is divided into two age categories: juniors, aged 8 to 12, and seniors, aged 13 to 18.
Zimbabwe’s representatives include Ivainashe Mbanda, Chelsea Mbanda, and Lorraine Phillips, who will compete in the junior category, while Alois Ngwenya, Shamiso Mutsahuni, and Anisha Zvina will represent the senior category.
Zimbabwean coordinator Enny Chomsara explained that the postponement was due to logistical challenges, including visa delays for some participants and overbooked flights due to the busy holiday season. “Some countries were not yet ready, and we have informed the learners and their guardians about these challenges,” Chomsara said in an interview.
While the postponement is disappointing for the learners, Chomsara reassured them that they would still get their chance to compete next year. “Though they are disappointed, we believe everything happens for a reason. The 2024 edition will take place in April, and we encourage the learners to remain patient,” she said.
The African Spelling Bee was founded by US-based lawyer Advocate James Bayanai and has gained significant attention, with over 10,000 students participating this year. Advocate Bayanai recently visited Zimbabwe to meet with winners and their guardians, and is working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which endorses the event.
Chomsara and Advocate Bayanai are also set to announce the 2025 competition programme in February.
