With an intention to improve student literacy in an enjoyable way, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) held the annual Spelling Bee inter-residential competition at Mansfield Hall, Ritson Campus, last Friday (22 April 2016).
The competition saw 47 DUT students put on their thinking caps and enjoy a competitive spelling battle.

The event was hosted and initiated by DUT’s Student Housing and Residence Life and consisted of participants from Baltimore, Berea, City, Derby, Graddington, Parcada, Seaboard, Sherwood, Stratford, Triton and Walsingham student residences.
Mthokozisi Mnculwane, Sherwood Student Resident Advisor and Organiser, said: “Spelling Bee competitions help us promote literacy by providing students with a positive goal to work towards, and give them a forum to display their vocabulary skills,” he said.

The main objective of the spelling Bee is to promote literacy through the grasping of words, aid students in learning concepts, improving comprehension, developing reading skills, enhancing students’ vocabulary skills and promoting a competitive spirit. The organisers also encourage students to make use of the what they learn during the spelling bee and apply that knowledge into their academic work.
Dr Euvette Taylor, Graddington Student Resident Advisor and Organiser, said, “Even if a student does not win, we encourage them to remember that it is important to remember that such a competition can result in a range of benefits including building their confidence in vocabulary which is something they will have for a lifetime.”

 
Pictured: First prize winner, S Khumalo of City Residence, second prize is L Buthelezi of Graddington Resident and third prize is C Hlomendlini of Berea Residence.

Noxolo Memela