Recently SPARK Witpoortjie held its very first isiZulu Olympics to honour the joy of increasing cultural awareness and to promote the advantages of language learning. The scholars were encouraged to participate in various literature-based activities to demonstrate their knowledge of isiZulu. The scholars were tasked with using their creativity to integrate the language into age-appropriate competitive activities. Grade R used flashcards, Grades 1 and 2 did a spelling bee, Grades 3’s gave speeches, Grades 4’s creative writing, Grades 5 poetry, and Grades 6’s participated in a spirited debate.

In the category of creative writing. Names from left to right Tlotlo Mokoena, Onaleraona Morake, and Rorisang Maja.

“At SPARK School, we recognise the importance of language in the development of children. We actively create these opportunities in our classrooms and encourage multilingual scholars to use both their first additional languages and a second language to improve their learning. This is one of the ways we make sure that every child develops a holistic love of learning and makes great academic progress,” says Phumelele Sibiya, principal at SPARK Witpoortjie.

The six scholars who participated in the creative writing competition in Grade 4 and 5. Names from left to right are Vuyiswa Sobanti, Onkarabestse Mawela, Molebogeng Makhoba, Karabelo Makhasa, Siphamandla Sibisi, and Nzuzo Mahumo.

All SPARK Schools in Gauteng provide isiZulu as the First Additional Language, while in Western Cape School offers isiXhosa. These two languages are the most widely spoken and were previously underused African languages in the respective provinces. Below are images of the scholars who won their Grade competitions.

The Grade 2 and 3 Zulu teacher, Nokuthula Miya, with scholars from left to right Onalerona Moeake, Minenhle Ndlangamandla, and Relebogile Mogale.