The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is encouraging young South Africans to write about equality and tackle racism through its annual essay competition.

The organisation has launched its 10th National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism, inviting learners aged 14 to 19 to reflect on South Africa’s history, examine present-day challenges and imagine a fairer future.

The 2026 competition carries the theme ‘365 Days of Justice: 10 Years of Youth Voices’, marking 10 years of providing young people with a platform to express their views on racism, equality, inclusion and social justice.

For previous winners, the competition has been more than an opportunity to receive recognition. It has helped them discover their confidence, deepen their understanding of injustice and realise that their voices matter.

Finding confidence through creativity

Siyemethemba Zuma, who won first place in the poetry category in a previous edition, entered the competition in September of her matric year at Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School after encouragement from her history teachers.

Now a first-year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of Pretoria, she said submitting her work for the first time was a nerve-racking experience.

Having previously kept her poems to herself, receiving first place and positive feedback was an important moment in her development as a writer.

“The Ahmed Kathrada Writing competition has helped me find confidence in my voice and my abilities and told me and others around me that my voice as a young person is valid, important and should be heard,” said Zuma.

Her winning poem explored how racism has changed since apartheid, arguing that it remains a serious problem even when it is less obvious. Through research and reflection, she examined the ways racism continues to influence society and why the struggle for equality remains unfinished.

Zuma believes the competition also offers young people an opportunity to learn from perspectives different from their own. By engaging with other participants’ writing and artwork, she gained a broader understanding of racism, equality and justice. Her advice to aspiring entrants is: “Just do it. Stop doubting yourself and limiting your opportunities.”

Jonathan-Aaron Oktober, a 17-year-old aspiring activist from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, also discovered the value of using his voice through the competition.

He first entered in 2024 after hearing about it from his English teacher. Although he did not place among the top 10 that year, he returned in 2025 because of his interest in social injustice, apartheid and human rights.

His persistence paid off when he won first place in the visual arts category with his work, Wolf in White’s Clothing.

The piece explored how modern racism can become internalised, influencing the way people of colour view themselves and one another in a society that continues to place value on whiteness.

For Oktober, the recognition was deeply meaningful, particularly because he had previously struggled with shyness and self-doubt. The experience encouraged him to speak out about discrimination in his own environment, including unspoken expectations around natural hair at his school.

Although raising the issue was difficult, it helped start a conversation among learners.

He believes young people should not assume that political freedom means the struggle for equality is over. “No one is liberated until we are all liberated,” said Oktober, emphasising the importance of youth participation in building a just society.

Connecting South Africa’s history to the present

This year’s competition will draw on the foundation’s 2026 Racial Justice Calendar, which connects significant moments in South African history with the continuing pursuit of justice and equality.

Participants can choose a specific date from the calendar and explore its historical significance, its relevance today and the lessons it offers for tackling racism. Alternatively, they can select one of its monthly themes, including Human Rights Month, Youth Month, Women’s Month, Heritage Month, or Reconciliation and Justice.

Essays should connect these themes to personal experiences, community realities and broader social issues. All submissions must be typed and must not exceed 1 000 words, demonstrating originality, critical thinking and a clear understanding of justice, equality and anti-racism.

As part of the 10th-anniversary edition, only essay entries will be accepted. Poetry and artwork submissions will not form part of this year’s competition.

A panel of independent adjudicators will select 12 winning essays, with one winner representing each month of the year.

The selected works will be published in the 2027 Racial Justice Calendar, giving the young writers a national platform to share their ideas.

Winners will also be recognised at a national awards ceremony during Anti-Racism Week 2027, with each receiving a brand-new laptop to support their education and future ambitions.

Entries must include the participant’s full name and surname, age, school, province, contact number and email address. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or delivered by hand to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation at Signet Terrace Office Park, Block B, Suite 2, in Lenasia.

The deadline is October 31, and late entries will not be accepted. The 2026 Racial Justice Calendar is the main resource for preparing an entry.

For young people who are passionate about their communities, concerned about inequality or eager to explore South Africa’s history, the competition offers an opportunity to turn those interests into meaningful work.