The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is proud to launch the 10th National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism, marking a decade of empowering young people to confront racism, challenge injustice and imagine a more equal South Africa.
Launched under the theme “365 Days of Justice: 10 Years of Youth Voices”, this special anniversary edition celebrates ten years of thoughtful reflection, courageous storytelling and youth-led conversations on equality, inclusion and social justice.
For the past decade, the competition has provided a national platform for young people to engage critically with issues of racism, inequality and democracy. Many of the essays submitted over the years have demonstrated not only a deep understanding of South Africa’s past, but also a commitment to shaping its future.
This year’s competition invites learners to engage with the Foundation’s 2026 Racial Justice Calendar, which connects significant moments in South Africa’s history with the ongoing pursuit of justice today.
The competition is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 19 years across South Africa.
Participants are required to submit an essay by selecting one of the following two options:
– Option 1: Choose a specific date from the 2026 Racial Justice Calendar and write an essay exploring its historical significance, its relevance today, and the lessons it
offers for advancing justice, equality and anti-racism.
– Option 2: Select one of the calendar’s monthly themes, including Human Rights
Month, Youth Month, Women’s Month, Heritage Month, or Reconciliation and Justice, and write a reflective and analytical essay drawing on personal experience, community realities and broader social issues.
All essays must be typed, not exceeding 1,000 words, and must demonstrate critical reflection, originality and a clear engagement with issues of justice, equality and anti-racism.
The Foundation confirms that this is a special anniversary edition limited to essay
submissions only. No artwork or poetry entries will be accepted.
How to Enter
Entries must be submitted together with the participant’s full name and surname, age, school, province, contact number and email address.
Essays may be submitted in either of the following ways:
– Email: essays@kathradafoundation.org
– Hand Delivery: Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Signet Terrace Office Park, Block B,
Suite 2, Lenasia
The 2026 Racial Justice Calendar forms the basis of this year’s competition and serves as the primary resource for all essay submissions. Participants are required to engage with the calendar by either selecting a specific historical date featured in the publication or responding to one of its monthly themes. The digital version of the 2026 Racial Justice Calendar can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/4w6aHDb.
The competition opens on 12 August 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026. No late submissions will be accepted.
A panel of independent adjudicators will select twelve winning essays, representing each month of the year. The 12 winning essays will be published in the 2027 Racial Justice Calendar. Winners will also be honoured at a national awards ceremony during Anti-Racism Week 2027.
Furthermore, in recognition of their outstanding achievement, each of the twelve winning participants will receive a brand-new laptop to support their educational journey and future aspirations. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation believes that empowering young people extends beyond recognising excellence; it also means providing them with practical tools to continue learning, researching and using their voices to advance justice, equality and social change.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation encourages all eligible young people to participate in this landmark edition of the competition and add their voices to a decade-long legacy of advancing justice, equality and non-racialism.
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About the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation:
The Foundation aims to deepen non-racialism and promote the values of the South African Constitution. It
continues the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada by advocating for ethical leadership and social
justice.
Media Enquiries:
NAME: Rethabile Ratsomo
TITLE: Anti-racism Manager
CELL: 011 854 0082
EMAIL: ratsomorethabile@gmail.com
