FOUR learners from Northlands Girls’ High School, Isiphile Ngubane (Grade 10), Mekdelawit Wolde (Grade 10), Okwethu Hlongwane (Grade 11) and Sumedha Maharaj (Grade 12), have qualified for the national finals of the SA Literacy Association (SALA) Public Speaking Competition.

Isiphile, Mekdelawit and Sumedha qualified in the English Prepared Speech category while Okwethu qualified in the Prepared Reading category.

The learners will now compete against the best speakers from every province next term.

This year was the first time Mekdelawit took part in SALA events and she sees it as a pathway to her future.

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“I’m very proud of myself. I only began public speaking this year and I’m grateful for all the opportunities it has given me. I’m very passionate about public speaking and I feel this will also help me with my future career goals of becoming an attorney.”

Isiphile touched on how public speaking has shaped her confidence and critical thought skills.

“Public speaking has allowed me to voice my opinion on matters and given me a lot of confidence. I’ve been able to deal with criticism in a more constructive manner because in public speaking you get criticism from the adjudicators. I feel this has allowed me to grow as a person.”

For Okwethu, the success of her fellow learners has been a highlight of their journey.

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“I’m very proud of them all. I don’t think people realise how much practise public speaking takes. We’ve all had sleepless nights preparing and I feel everyone did exceptionally well. My hope is that we will place in the finals of the competition,” she said.

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