Highlighting Educational Initiatives by Phothiza Holdings
Phothiza Holdings, a renowned organization committed to empowering youth, held its highly anticipated 3rd Annual Frankly Spelling Bee Championship at the prestigious El-Bethel Worship Centre in Sharpeville, Vereeniging. The event, which took place on the 21st of March 2025, drew participants from grade 8 to 11, showcasing the intellectual prowess of school learners in the region, from Sharpeville to as far as Orange Farm.
Despite some last-minute dropouts, the competition was well-attended, with each grade fielding more than 6 enthusiastic participants. The event announcer was Portia Mawai, the spokesperson for Phothiza Holdings, whose excellent oratory skills and captivating presence behind the microphone added flair to the proceedings. Known for her role as a radio personality and MC at Phothiza Holdings’ annual Mother’s Day events, Mawai’s involvement ensured a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees. Jimmy Nkwe, of the Jimmy Nkwe Foundation, served as the Master of Ceremonies for this successful event. While this marked his debut appearance at the Frankly Spelling Bee Championship, he is highly familiar with the Phothiza Holdings Holiday Youth Camp, an annual program held during the winter school holidays.
A highlight of the event was the generous sponsorship pledged by Mr. George Lephoto, the Director of Phothiza Holdings, who committed to providing matric farewell outfits for 5 deserving grade 11 learners as a token of appreciation for their dedication. The esteemed panel of judges—comprising Tshepang Radebe, Monki Morebuli, and Michelle Chauke—ensured fair play and adjudication throughout the competition.
The event also featured a keynote address by Mrs. Seipati Mosesi, an educational psychologist from the Department of Education, offering valuable insights into the importance of academic excellence and youth development. The Department of Sport, Art, and Culture, with their team from Libraries, Information Services, and Archives department, played a pivotal role by generously donating medals to complement the trophies and medals already provided by Phothiza Holdings.
The culmination of the event saw every participating child being awarded a medal, exemplifying Phothiza Holdings’ commitment to celebrating and nurturing the talent of the young generation. As the curtains closed on the 3rd Annual Spelling Bee, anticipation for next year’s event loomed, promising an even grander spectacle for all participants and attendees.
In his closing speech, Mr. George Lephoto, the Director of Phothiza Holdings, expressed his gratitude to the church board, leadership, and congregation for allowing the annual Frankly Spelling Bee to be held at their venue each year. He also extended his appreciation to the parents for their support, emphasizing that the event was ultimately for them—an opportunity to witness their children excel academically.
Mr. Lephoto acknowledged the representatives from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture for honouring the event and contributing as sponsors. “We don’t just touch and go; we touch and hold,” he remarked, inviting the Department’s team to participate in other Phothiza Holdings initiatives.
He went on to thank the event’s judges, his wife Tshepi, and his daughter Onthatile, who received the remaining trophy and medal. Addressing the participants, he encouraged them to be ambassadors of the event. “Go out there and represent us. We do this because we care—we care about your future, your parents, and about shaping you into better individuals. Many of us never had opportunities like this growing up, and it brings us joy to see you give it your all. I believe you are all winners, which is why each of you has received a medal today.”
In conclusion, Mr. Lephoto expressed his appreciation to his dedicated team—Portia Mawai, Constance van Niekerk, Archbald Khojane, and Philip Masisi—as well as the guest speaker, Mrs. Mosesi, the timekeeper Onthatile (who also participated in the previous year’s spelling bee), and the MC, Jimmy Nkwe. He encouraged all attendees to stay connected with Phothiza Holdings on social media.