Zinzile MavusoThe Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is encouraging young people to reflect on the topic of racism
through its fifth annual writing contest.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Youth Essay Writing Competition, launched on the 92 nd birth
anniversary of freedom fighter and non-racialist, Ahmed Kathrada, calls for submissions from young
people between the ages 15 to 21.
“The unique opportunity is open to eager young people and will see them nurturing and developing
their writing skills. There are three topics for participants to choose from and we encourage them to
reflect on the one that resonates with them the most”, said Neeshan Balton the Executive Director
at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
The topics are as follows:
A future without racism is possible,
Schools should be laboratories of anti-racism,
Apartheid is over, racism is over. Or is it?
Essays must be 1000 to 1400 words and should relate to the topics provided. First place will receive
R2000, second place wins R1000 and R500 will be given to the third place winner. All of the
participants will also receive certificates upon submission.
“Now in its fifth year, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Youth Essay Writing Competition is the only
one of its kind in the country devoted exclusively to hearing the thoughts and feelings of the youth
in relation to racism. Every year, hundreds of young people have entered the competition writing
personal narratives of their own about racism, a thorny topic. They have shared unique experiences
and opened their hearts on issues of racism in post-apartheid South Africa”, Balton said.
Balton added that originality is paramount in the writing competition. “We want to hear your story,
in your unique voice expressed through your style of writing”, he said.
Previous participants said that entering the writing competition was life changing. They said that
having a platform to share their stories validated their life experience. They encouraged others to
grab the opportunity to put pen to paper with both hands.
Eligibility guidelines for the essay writing competition:
Applicants must be aged 15 to 21 years old,
Essays must be written on any one of the topics provided,
You have to choose only one topic,
Essays must be 1000 to 1400 words,
You can write in any South African language,
You can only enter once,
Essays must be original. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Essays must indicate the following details, your name and surname, email address if you have one,
your best contact number as well as your physical address. The entries should be submitted on or
before October 29, 2021.
You must submit your essay to the email address youth@kathradafoundation.org or by post to
P.O.Box 3240 Lenasia 1820.
If you have any questions regarding the competition, feel free to let us know by calling 011-854-0082
or send us a message on our social media platforms @KathradaFound on Twitter or Ahmed Kathrada
Foundation on Facebook.
