By Solethu Madzwila
Young learners from Makhanda primary schools lit the stage at Amazwi: South African Museum of Literature last week during the 2nd Annual Storytelling Eisteddfod hosted by Yveslight Institution of Skills and Leadership (YISL).
The Storytelling Eisteddfod demonstrated what is possible. The competition, run by the non-profit organisation, brought together Grade 6 and 7 learners from Archie Mbolekwa Primary, Good Shepherd Primary, Samuel Ntlebi Primary, Makana Primary, and Capstone Primary to showcase their skills in drama, short story writing, poetry, traditional dance, and speech.
Project director Yvonne Sewelo opened the event with a joint performance alongside Samuel Ntlebi learners, followed by an opening prayer from adjudicator Nwabisa Qangule. Later, adjudicator Somila Kauleza announced the results, encouraging learners to carry confidence with them every time they step on stage. The judging panel also included Yonwabisa Landu.
The performances showcased the learners’ creativity and confidence. The drama and traditional dance categories drew loud applause, with pupils proving they were “worth watching” through energetic and thought-provoking storytelling. Poets and speech contestants impressed as well, switching effortlessly between isiXhosa and English, while their teachers cheered them on with wide smiles and loud applause.
In the competition results, Samuel Ntlebi Primary walked away with wins in both isiXhosa storytelling and English drama. From Capstone Primary, Amile Selana excelled in the isiXhosa short story category, while Kwande Gadla claimed victory in English short story. In poetry, Khayone Kralo from Makana Primary took top honours in isiXhosa, and Linathi Zabo from Samuel Ntlebi Primary won the English poetry category. Capstone learners also dominated the speech categories, with Unako winning in isiXhosa and Cheikh Wade claiming the English speech title. Meanwhile, Makana Primary secured the traditional dance crown as a school.
The event concluded with thanks to participating schools and Lebone Centre, which sponsored books as prizes for the winners.
The festival, however, faces financial constraints. Sewelo revealed that she has struggled to find sponsorship and relied on friends and relatives to fund the event. “Moving forward, in 2026, it would be great to have organisations that share our vision partner with us to cover prizes and costs,” she said.
Yveslight Institution is now appealing to the Department of Basic Education and Sports, Arts, and Culture for support so the initiative can grow and continue nurturing young talent in Makhanda.
