Sibitelo Nemisebe Moves to the National Finals

Events/June 19, 2025

The Sibitelo Nemisebe 2025 siSwati Spelling Bee competition, a flagship event hosted annually by Imisebe Publishing in partnership with Technosol and UNESCO, has officially progressed to the national finals stage. Designed to promote the siSwati language through academic excellence and digital innovation, the competition began on the 9th of June, launching regional contests across all four regions of Eswatini.

Manzini Region Kicks Off the Competition

The journey began in the Manzini region, where eight schools were selected by the Eswatini siSwati Teachers’ Association to participate. These included Mkhondvo High School, St. Theresa’s, Nhlambeni, Emncozini, Osuthu Methodist, Gundvwini Secondary, and St. Anne’s High Schools.

After a full day of intense competition, Mkhondvo High School clinched the regional title by scoring 38 points, narrowly defeating Gundvwini Secondary School, which earned 33 points.

Siphocosini Claims Victory in Hhohho

The next regional contest took place in Hhohho, featuring eight strong contenders: Dinani, Dvokolwako, Ejubukweni, Londunduma, Mater Dolorosa, Siphocosini, and Nkhaba High Schools.

After a series of competitive rounds, Siphocosini High School secured its spot in the national finals with a win over Dvokolwako High School in the regional final match.

High Standards Displayed in Lubombo

The competition then moved to the Lubombo region, which brought high energy and anticipation, especially as Imisebe Publishing shared highlights on social media to build excitement. The participating schools—Lusoti, Ndzangu, Entandvwini, Vuvulane, Mphundle, Good Shepherd, and Sibusisweni—were impressively well-prepared.

Sibusisweni High School emerged as the regional champion after edging past Ndzangu High School in a tight match, scoring 38 points to Ndzangu’s 36. Students credited their win to focused daily training, keyboard practice, and effective time management, all guided by a dedicated siSwati teacher.

Tense Tie-Breakers in Shiselweni

The final regional round unfolded in the Shiselweni region, with schools such as Jericho, Nyamane, Mahamba, Velebantfu, Madulini, Hluthi Central, Ngoloweni, and Ndabazezwe vying for the top spot.

A dramatic final between Ndabazezwe and Nyamane High Schools required several tie-breakers, as neither team wanted to concede. Eventually, Ndabazezwe High School pulled through, earning their place in the upcoming national finals.

Promoting Language Through Innovation

Each regional competition was attended by siSwati Inspector Nomphumelo Shabangu, who praised the initiative for using technology to modernize the learning and usage of siSwati. She encouraged students to proudly use siSwati—even on digital platforms.

Also present was Machawe Dlamini, president of the Eswatini siSwati Teachers’ Association, who emphasized the importance of language as a cultural identity and called for continued promotion of siSwati.

Finals Set to Be Livestreamed

The national finals are scheduled for next week, with Imisebe Publishing planning to livestream the event. With regional champions Mkhondvo, Siphocosini, Sibusisweni, and Ndabazezwe High Schools preparing to compete, the nation eagerly awaits the crowning of the Sibitelo Nemisebe 2025 national champion—a true celebration of language, culture, and educational excellence.