Giving a voice to the youth

The annual speech contest invites participants from the ages of 15 to 25 to express their interest in one of the three speech topics recently unveiled by the foundation. The topics to choose from are “With freedom comes responsibility”, “Today’s youth, tomorrow’s leaders”, or “We are in a race to fight racism.”

Participants can submit their details to the foundation before 8 August and indicate a topic of their choice where a delegated committee will guide them on their understanding of each topic as well as the contest’s rules and regulations.

“If you are a speech writer or enjoy public speaking, you are eligible to apply for the contest. You don’t have to be a professional but you have to be good at standing for your chosen topic and presenting it well,” said Busi Nkosi, the youth programme’s co-ordinator, who has worked with young people through the foundation and has described the contest as a platform for young people to use their voice to be heard to an attentive audience.

The top three winners of the contest will be awarded prizes at the official speech contest and the top ten finalists will also receive certificates.

The first prize winner will also get the coveted opportunity to relay their winning speech at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Annual Lecture in the presence of various dignitaries. Notable guest speakers at the annual lecture have included former Minister of Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan, Professor, Vice Chancellor and Principal at the University of the Witswatersrand Adam Habib, and former Deputy President Kgalema Motlante.

Details: Busisiwe Nkosi 011 854 0082.