Western Cape

SACEE Western Cape has grown to represent a wide range of schools in the Western Cape and has an active committee under the Chairperson Alison Gwynne-Evans.  We focus on offering competitions and activities to support and supplement the curriculum so as to develop learners who are engaged with learning relating to the crafting and using of the English language to communicate beyond the individual schools setting.

SACEE Membership (Western Cape) 

SACEE membership forms can be obtained from or returned to the Branch Chairperson, Alison Gwynne-Evans on alisonge@sadomain.co.za.

Spellcheck

Ready, Set, Spell! The Spellcheck Challenge

The Spellcheck Challenge is SACEE’s fast-paced, fun-filled annual spelling competition for Grade 8 learners at Western Cape schools — held in the first quarter of the school year. It’s more than just spelling: it’s a team-building experience that kick-starts the year with purpose, energy, and a shared goal.

Designed to unite new Grade 8 classes through a mix of friendly competition and individual effort, the challenge encourages learners to step up — and work together — as every student’s score counts toward their school’s total.

All Grade 8s from each participating school must take part, making it a true team effort from start to finish.

This much-loved event was formerly led by Terril Nicolay, and is now proudly run by Lesa McEwan, who brings fresh energy and commitment to the competition.

Get your learners fired up, open those dictionaries, and get ready to spell your way to victory!

Results of the 2024 competition can be downloaded here!

Online Public Speaking Competition

Speak Up, Be Heard: The Online Public Speaking Competition

Launched in 2020, SACEE’s Online Public Speaking Competition gives learners across the Western Cape a platform to voice their thoughts on real-world issues that matter. It’s more than just public speaking — it’s a space for critical thinking, confidence-building, and thoughtful engagement.

The competition has welcomed entries from towns and cities across the province — from Knysna, George, Graaff-Reinet, Mossel Bay, Langebaan, Wellington, to a wide range of Cape Town schools — proving that powerful ideas can come from every corner.

The roots of the competition go back to 2018 with the City Bowl Public Speaking Competition, originally a small initiative to build unity and community among the diverse schools of Cape Town’s City Bowl. It began with just three schools: St Cyprian’s, Gardens Commercial, and Cape Town High — and has since grown into a province-wide event.

Going online was a game-changer. It opened the door for wider participation and helped SACEE connect with schools far beyond the City Bowl. Today, the competition is spearheaded by Murray Hines of Abbots College, who got involved while studying at UCT as part of the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship.

🏆 Each year, a beautifully crafted wooden shield is awarded to the school with the highest combined scores in both the Grade 8–9 and Grade 10–12 categories. Past winners include:

• St Cyprian’s (2018 & 2019)
• Knysna High School (first online champion in 2020)
• Wynberg High School (2021)
• Springfield Convent (2022)
• Reddam House Constantia (2023)

This is your chance to speak out, make an impact, and be part of a growing tradition of young voices leading important conversations.

Click here for the 2024 Public Speaking Report.

Forum Discussions

For nearly five decades, the SACEE Forum Discussion has been a dynamic platform where young minds come together to tackle big ideas. In this long-running annual event, teams of five learners engage in thoughtful, structured dialogue — not to debate, but to collaborate, listen, and build common ground.

It’s not about winning an argument — it’s about understanding, respect, and finding shared solutions. The Forum Discussion nurtures critical thinking, empathy, and real-world communication skills that last a lifetime,

Click here to read the 2024 report.

English Alive Anthology – Celebrating Young Voices

English Alive is one of SACEE’s most treasured national projects — an annual anthology that showcases poetry and prose from learners across South Africa. Run by the Western Cape branch, this publication has been inspiring and celebrating young writers for an incredible 57 years.

Legendary editor Robin Malan helped shape English Alive from its inception, guiding generations of writers. This year, Kirsten Deane has taken the reins, bringing fresh energy while honouring the anthology’s rich legacy. 

📣 We’re always looking to feature new schools and fresh voices!

If your learners have something to say — a poem, a story, a spark of insight — we want to hear it.
Submissions are open: send entries to editor@englishalive.co.za