Ayanda Twani, a matric pupil at Victoria Girls' High School came third in the national Young Communicator Awards competition held in Johannesburg last week. After coming first in the Eastern Province earlier this year, she travelled to Johannesburg with teacher, Sarah Abel last Thursday to compete again.
Ayanda Twani, a matric pupil at Victoria Girls' High School came third in the national Young Communicator Awards competition held in Johannesburg last week. After coming first in the Eastern Province earlier this year, she travelled to Johannesburg with teacher, Sarah Abel last Thursday to compete again.
At nationals one representative came from each province, and contestants engaged in a progressive debate. According to Ayanda they all spoke well in the impromptu section of the competition and gave thought-provoking speeches. Her topic was "The Prisoner" and in her prepared speech she spoke about the metaphorical fear that surrounds our societies, and how we can overcome it.
Ayanda said that before giving her speech she was a bit numbed by nerves, but she went on to be placed third overall with an impressive R30 000 bursary as prize and R5 000 to go towards the school.
"The experience was truly an eye-opener," Ayanda said, "I met the most outspoken young people around. Our different backgrounds allowed us to engage with each other." She hopes that more young people will take up challenges like these, and she wished to express her gratitude to the people who supported her; "especially my mom and sister."
The school said that Ayanda makes them extremely proud and they were honoured to be able to share in some of her winnings.
