WATCH: Tongaat’s Cohen Naidoo (9) wins eThekwini spelling-bee title - IOL

Nine-year-old Cohen Liam Naidoo of Maidstone Primary School in Tongaat has won the eThekwini Municipal Libraries Spelling Bee after finishing among the top 10 last year.

Despite being visually impaired in one eye, the Grade 4 pupil was determined to rank number one in this year’s competition.

He said he worked hard to achieve first place.

“I had to secure wins in spelling competitions at school and district levels before progressing to the ultimate provincial win.

“I feel happy and proud (to have won). All my hard work and practice has paid off. Spelling Bees are interesting and I am determined to succeed in spelling well. It has taught me that it is okay to make mistakes, which I learn from,” he said.

Cohen’s mum Lavinia Naidoo, said he developed a passion for spelling and public speaking from a young age. 

She said he secured third place in the Billy Nair Circuit Spelling Bee Competition in 2025 and was among the top 10 competitors at one hosted by the eThekwini Municipal Libraries.

“I am proud of my son’s latest achievements, and more so his work ethic. When at home he would take the initiative to learn and do school work.

“What makes his achievements even more remarkable is that Cohen has vision in only one eye, yet he continues to work hard, participate fully in school activities and achieve outstanding results despite the challenges he faces with his eyesight,” she said.

Cohen, who is always learning new words to expand his vocabulary, aspires to be a child author.