ZIMBABWEAN student Shamiso Mutsahuni has put the country on the map after winning a bronze medal at the 7th African Spelling Bee competition, which was held in Abuja, Nigeria, recently.
Mutsahuni, a student at Irene Christian College, was among top spellers from seven African countries who competed in Abuja where she emerged third in the senior category.
The competition, which brought together some of the continent's sharpest young minds, saw Mutsahuni showcasing exceptional composure, focus and mastery of vocabulary.
Her stellar performance earned her a prestigious spot on the podium, with Nigerian spellers taking the gold and silver medals.
“Competing in the senior category against some of the continent’s sharpest young minds, Shamiso’s stellar performance placed her third overall, earning Zimbabwe a prestigious spot on the podium, Shamiso’s exceptional composure, focus and mastery of vocabulary carried her through several tough rounds, ultimately earning her the bronze medal and a trophy — a proud moment for her school, family and the entire nation,” Zimbabwe Spelling Bee secretariat said in a statement yesterday.
The competition was held from April 9 to 13. In a statement, Zimbabwe Spelling Bee founder, James Bayanai, said Mutsahuni competed with students from seven countries and came third following Nigerian spellers who got the first and second positions.
“The African Spelling Bee, a premier continental competition, brought together top spellers from eight countries: Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia, Benin, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Uganda and Ghana,” said Bayanai.
“Shamiso’s exceptional composure, focus and mastery of vocabulary carried her through several tough rounds, ultimately earning her the bronze medal and a trophy — a proud moment for her school, family and the entire nation,” he added.
The Zimbabwean Spelling Bee delegation extends heartfelt congratulations to all the spellers, with special recognition to Shamiso “Shami” Mutsahuni for making history and waving the Zimbabwean flag high in Nigeria.
“As a nation, we celebrate your resilience, brilliance and determination — you’ve not only made us proud but also inspired a generation of young Zimbabweans to believe in the power of words,” Bayanai said.
The Zimbabwean Spelling Bee delegation congratulated all the country's spellers, with special recognitions for Mutsahuni for making history and waving the Zimbabwean flag high in Nigeria.
“The Zimbabwean Spelling Bee delegation extends heartfelt congratulations to all our spellers, with special recognition for Shamiso “Shami” Mutsahuni for making history and waving the Zimbabwean flag high in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The delegation praised Mutsahuni's resilience, brilliance and determination, saying she had inspired a generation of young Zimbabweans to believe in the power of words.
Mutsahuni's win was also a testament to the country's potential to nurture talented young individuals who can compete at the highest level.
“You've not only made us proud but also inspired a generation of young Zimbabweans to believe in the power of words,” the association said.
Ivainashe Mbanda — Kyle College, Chelsea Chingaira — Kyle College, Lauren Phillips — Uppervale College, Anisha Zvina — Goldridge and Mufaro Munyaradzi — Celebration International School represented Zimbabwe with distinction in Abuja.
In the junior category, Mbanda narrowly missed the medal podium, securing a commendable fourth position after an intense spelling battle, the secretariat said.
