St John’s College hosted some of the best young public speakers in their third annual Youth Speaking Festival.
The festival was held on 22 September with speakers from nine schools around the country competing in two separate age groups. Grade 9 and 10 learners participated in the junior group who spoke on the topic Being South African, being me, and Grade 11 and matrics were part of the senior group who were given the topic This land is my land.
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The spokesperson for St John’s College Jacqui Deeks said, “We were privileged to have Ngoza Mazurura, Nomusa Ndlovu, Khotso Pekane, Professor Elmien du Plessis and Professor William Gumede join us and share their ideas and experience with the speakers.
“We are also grateful to Exclusive Books for sponsoring the prizes and gifts for the winners and the adjudicators.”
The winner of the junior competition was Sifiso Ndlovu of Centurion College, second place was taken by Ella Morrison of Roedean School with Karabo Ledwaba of Unity Secondary School and Jonathan Bekker of King Edward VII School tied for third place.
In the senior competition, Hanna Essop of Roedean School took first place with Norkem Park High School’s Nandi Hlatshwayo taking second. Third place prize was shared by Mambote Abel of Centurion College and Gift Mbonxa of Unity Secondary School.
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Deeks added, “During lunch, we enjoyed the magical music provided by St John’s College matric learner Aaron Pieterse and his Marimba Men and were entertained by the energetic and skilful St John’s College Academy’s Gumboot Dancers.
“The lunch break was an opportunity to enjoy each others company, chat to the adjudicators and enjoy the delicious South African food provided by the college catering team.”
Details: www.stjohnscollege.co.za
