Zusipe BatyiPRESS RELEASE
AHMED KATHRADA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ESSAY WRITING COMPEITION AGAINTS RACISM
11 December 2023
On the 2nd of December, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation announced the winners of the National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism. This prestigious competition aims to foster critical thinking, promote awareness, and ignite discussions around the pressing issue of racism in our society amongst the youth of South Africa. The competition was open to young people between the ages of 13 to 21 years. This year, we received 534 entries from across the nine provinces in South Africa.
Young people could participate in the competition by writing a poem, an essay or through artwork. Their submissions needed to relate to the following topics:
- Are racial classifications still relevant in a free and democratic South Africa?
- What does a racially just South Africa mean to me?
- The impact of Apartheid on a Born-free generation
- Nobody is born a racist… so where does it come from?
The top six learners who won the competition are:
- Sibonisiwe Nyoni – First place Essay Writing
- Diya Sewpersad = Second place Essay Writing
- Laeeq Orrie – First place Poetry
- Zinhle Radebe – Second place Poetry
- Lomhlangano Gama – First place Artwork
- Aurora Raath – Second place Artwork
In her opening remarks AKF’s Board Member, Ms Phumla Williams said, “The calibre of submissions this year has been exceptional. We were truly impressed by the depth of insight, the clarity of thought, and the eloquence displayed by the participants. These essays showcase the intellectual prowess of the young minds who will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future.”
“One of the strengths of this competition lies in the diversity of voices it brings together. We received entries from across the country, representing a rich tapestry of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity not only enriches the intellectual discourse but also underscores the universality of the principles that Ahmed Kathrada stood for,” she added.
For more information and media inquiries please contact:
Zusipe Batyi
Communications Manager
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
071 345 8405
