Youth essay competition against racism

YOUNG people between the age of 15 and 35 are encouraged to enter the SA Youth Essay Writing Competition Against Racism and share their thoughts on racism.The competition is divided into two categories, the first for ages 15-25 and the second for those between the ages of 26 and 35 years. Entrants stand to with prizes which include laptops and cash. The winning essays will also be published.

The essay writing competition is being organised in collaboration with Khwerha Ye Afrika and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and is supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Foundation for Human Rights, Steve Biko

Foundation, Spotlight Creations and local organizations. According to Tommy Khoza, executive director for Khweha Ye Africa, the purpose of the competition is to ‘provide young people with

an opportunity to creatively use their writing talents to share experiences, encounters and untold stories of racism’.

Busisiwe Nkosi from the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Youth Leadership Programme said the initiative comes as a response to national discussions on racism. She added, “What’s unique about this competition is that essays can be entered in any of the 11 official languages as chosen by the participants.”

To enter the competition, your written essay should be between 1000 to 2000 words in any South African language of your choice on the topic of racism. Submissions can be sent by email, post or hand delivery.

The closing date for submissions is 31 March. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in Johannesburg.

Send your submissions to info@.khwerha@gmail.com with the subject ‘Essay Submission’ or fax to 0865733643. Submissions can be posted to P.O. Box 6804, Halfway House, 1685 or hand delivered to 69 Market Street, Kimax Building, Office 11B, Boksburg North. Don’t forget to include all your contact details.

For more information, contact Melissa on 011 892 0399 or 081 702 5862.