isiXhosa Best Speakers Competition:

The school indoor sports centre buzzed with pride and eloquence last week Thursday as pupils took to the stage for the highly anticipated isiXhosa Best Speakers Competition. Highlighting the richness of the language and the depth of our young speakers, the event brought together thoughtful perspectives across all junior grades.

We were honoured to welcome our distinguished adjudicators for the evening: Mr Anda Singata (OG ’12), whose return to his alma mater brought inspiring full-circle energy and Mr Bongolwethu Draai, high school teacher whose keen eye for linguistic detail and delivery elevated the standard of feedback.

Our speakers tackled thought-provoking topics tailored to each grade level:

*Grade 4* (My Hero): Speakers brought inspiring portraits to life, celebrating real-life role models ranging from everyday community figures to historical icons.

Speakers: Othandwayo Jilana and Amahle Manyati

*Grade 5* (South Africa) delivered inspiring presentations celebrating South Africa.

Speakers: Indiphile Vara, Landa Nqebe and Miyolo Pango

*Grade 6* (Artificial Intelligence): Grade 6s leaned into modern horizons, offering sharp, forward-looking speeches on how emerging technology intersects with human life.

Speakers: Avuya Geelbooi, Amogelang Kulati, Lubambo Mabini, Soso Tonjeni

*Grade 7* (Ubuntu, Isintu, Uluntu): The senior primary grade delivered powerful, mature reflections on African humanism, cultural heritage and community interconnectedness.

Speakers: Linathi Ntabeni, Buyolo Mhasele, Mntombo Makeba

Host: Amzolele Gonqobe

Overall winners Grade 4 – Amahle Manyati Grade 5 – Miyolo Pango Grade 6 – Ayavuya Geelbooi Grade 7 – Linathi Ntabeni

Speaker of the day Grade 7 – Linathi Ntabeni

Congratulations to every participant who took the podium with courage and poise. Thank you to our esteemed judges and teachers for fostering a vibrant culture of isiXhosa public speaking!