The 18-year-old Shanan Christian School learner was awarded a nomination for a Golden Apple Award, poetry recitation and group Bible-speaking, at the Accelerated Christian Education Curriculum event, held at the University of the Free State.
“At the ACEC we compete in everything, from sport to acting, dancing, expressive reading and dramatic dialogue,” said Kathide.
For his poetry recitation he chose a poem written by his teacher, Paula Oosthuizen, which grabbed attention and added to his nomination.
“The poem speaks about asking God to teach you about how to run the race that is life,” he said.
From May 20 to June 7, Kathide will attend the convention in the hope of showcasing his skills to a bigger audience and receiving wider recognition.
“Children from all over America will attend the event which, will see all of us competing in the categories in which we qualified,” he said.
”For me that would be poetry recitation and group Bible-speaking.”
This young poet finds inspiration in Mark Twain’s work, especially because of the mysterious persona the poet represented.
“I also like Richard Gory’s poem, ‘Lights over yonder’, because it teaches me, as a Christian, not to worry about material possessions, but to store my treasures in heaven,” he said.
And, as he awaits his trip, Kathide can only hope that he will return victorious, with a certificate, and add additional points to his honours blazer.
