Jeugland teams secure top national wins in Oppie Tong Af competition

Hoërskool Jeugland is closing the 2025 academic year on a high note after securing top positions at the Oppie Tong Af (or Tip of the Tongue) national public speaking competition.

The competition, which began in August, held its final round in October at Trinityhouse College in Centurion.

Three groups from grades nine, 10, and 11 represented the school.

The grades nine and 10 teams both finished first in their respective categories, while the Grade 11 group finished third. Each group competed against five other schools.

ALSO READ: Community fitness day returns to Kaalfontein Primary School this November

Grade Nine learner Ofentse Dube said her younger self motivates her to keep going in public speaking.

“My younger public speaking self inspired me to push through moments of doubt. I started public speaking in Grade One, and looking back at the person I was then helps me to stay passionate and strive to inspire others as I was inspired,” Dube shared.

Each group presented on a specific topic.

The Grade Nine learners tackled, ‘What if extra-curricular activities took place in the morning before school rather than after school?’

Despite challenges, the team of Mitchelle Ndlovu, Angela Chauke, Lindokuhle Nhlapo, and Ofentse Dube delivered a convincing performance that earned them first place.

Grade 10 learners addressed ‘Influencers should be taxed for their work’.

Team members Joshua Solomons, Tshegofatso Ngako, Relebodile Rapalama, and Leagile Dikgale presented interesting arguments, securing a win.

Ngako said, “I was shocked when our group was announced as winners. We prepared hard and presented our best, and it was rewarding to see our efforts recognised.”

ALSO READ: Kempton Park schools excel at Birch Acres Inter-Schools Quiz

Grade 11 learners, Favour Nkwankwo, Yolisa Msimango, Lubabalo Ndyumbu, and Lesedi Mokgatlhane, spoke on ‘Celebrity culture is more dangerous than we think’.

Despite feeling nervous and occasionally skipping lines during the final, they supported one another and finished in third place.
Ndyumbu said, “We had each other’s backs, covered each other’s lines, and pushed forward as a team.”

Learners balanced their practice of public speaking with other academic, leadership, and extra-curricular commitments.

Coaches Charl van Rhyn and Marlene Herbst guided the teams, praising the learners’ dedication and celebrating their success.

Herbst said, “It was wonderful to see the learners’ hard work come to fruition. Their achievements make us proud.”

The Grade Nine team had previously won the Oppie Tong Af national title in 2024 when they were in Grade Eight.