The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has launched the 10th National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism, marking a decade of encouraging young people to speak out against racism, challenge injustice and imagine a more equal South Africa.

This year’s competition carries the theme ‘365 Days of Justice: 10 Years of Youth Voices’. The special anniversary edition celebrates ten years of young people using writing to explore equality, inclusion and social justice.

For the past decade, the competition has given young people from across South Africa an opportunity to engage with important issues such as racism, inequality and democracy.

Many entries have shown a strong understanding of the country’s history, while also reflecting a desire to help build a better future.

Linking history to the present

The 2026 competition will be based on the foundation’s 2026 Racial Justice Calendar, which links important moments in South Africa’s history with the continued struggle for justice and equality.

Young people between the ages of 14 and 19 are invited to take part. Participants can choose from two options.

The first is to select a specific date from the 2026 Racial Justice Calendar and write about its historical importance, its relevance today and the lessons it offers for promoting justice, equality and anti-racism.

The second option allows participants to choose one of the calendar’s monthly themes, such as Human Rights Month, Youth Month, Women’s Month, Heritage Month, or Reconciliation and Justice.

Essays should reflect on personal experiences, community realities and wider social issues.

Essays only for anniversary edition

All entries must be typed and must not exceed 1000 words. They should show critical thinking, originality and a clear understanding of justice, equality and anti-racism.

As this is a special anniversary edition, the foundation has confirmed that only essay submissions will be accepted. Artwork and poetry entries will not form part of this year’s competition.

How to enter

• Each entry must include the participant’s full name and surname, age, school, province, contact number and email address.

• Entries can be submitted by email to essays@kathradafoundation.org or delivered by hand to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation at Signet Terrace Office Park, Block B, Suite 2 in Lenasia.

• The 2026 Racial Justice Calendar is the main resource for the competition.

• Participants must either choose a historical date from the calendar or respond to one of its monthly themes.

• The digital version of the 2026 Racial Justice Calendar can be accessed here.

• The competition closes on October 31 and no late entries will be accepted.

Winners to receive laptops

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

The winning essays will be published in the 2027 Racial Justice Calendar, giving the young writers a national platform to share their ideas and perspectives.

The winners will also be recognised at a national awards ceremony during Anti-Racism Week 2027.

Each of the 12 winners will receive a brand-new laptop to support their education, research and future ambitions.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said empowering young people is about more than recognising their achievements.

It is also about giving them practical tools to continue learning and using their voices to promote justice, equality and social change.