By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – New Dawn Christian College has put the Free State on the map after one of its learners competed at the South African National Spelling Bee, held at Sun City in the North West from 10–12 December 2025.
Learner Sesethu Moloantoa represented the province at the prestigious national competition, which brought together top spellers from across the country. She was accompanied by her coach and English teacher, Maria Lekarapa.
Four other learners from the QwaQwa region also took part in the three-day contest, which tested spelling, language mastery and confidence.
Lekarapa praised Sesethu’s performance, saying she rose to the challenge on the national stage.
“She showed courage, focus and academic strength. She represented her school and the Free State with confidence, and we are extremely proud of her,” she said.
School organiser Stephen Letele said exposure to national competitions plays a critical role in learner development.
“These platforms build confidence, discipline and ambition. This is how we nurture excellence beyond the classroom,” he said.
Founder and school director Limpho Mpopo described the achievement as a major milestone for the young institution.
“We are proud of our learners and educators and look forward to even greater academic and sporting successes in 2026,” Mpopo said.
Sesethu said the experience had motivated her to aim higher.“Competing nationally and meeting learners from other provinces boosted my confidence and inspired me to work harder,” she said.
The achievement underscores New Dawn Christian College’s commitment to literacy development, talent nurturing and preparing learners to compete at national level.
