The second Masithethe! isiXhosa competition was hosted with great success by Paul Roos Gymnasium on Saturday, 22 April.

Public speakers from schools in Stellenbosch, its surrounds and Cape Town arrived at Paul Roos with great anticipation. It was evident that learners were excited to participate in this one-of-a-kind competition which is focused on promoting isiXhosa.

Learners were well prepared and spirits ran high when the winners were announced in the afternoon. First, second and third place winners walked away with R500, R300 and R200 respectively. All participants received a Masithethe! (Let’s talk) certificate.

ENSafrica’s Jan Viviers played a big role in the origin of Masithethe, acts as its official sponsor and was present to share in the excitement of the day. Language experts at the University of Stellenbosch – Dr Xeketwana and Dr Sidjadu – joined Masithethe! for the second year in a row, to act as special judges during the final round. Teachers from participating schools acted as judges during the first round of the competition.

Ms Christine Canaris (Paul Roos Gymnasium) is the coordinator of the Masithethe! isiXhosa Oratory Competition and acted as MC on the day. Learners from Groote Schuur High School entertained participants with singing and dancing performances, while guitarists from the Paul Roos Senior Band played African-inspired background music on the day as well. The Xhosa-speaking school community of the Western Cape looks forward to seeing Masithethe!  grow from strength to strength.

Results:

Home Language Senior:
1^st place: Siyasanga Dwayi (I.D. Mkhize High School)
2^nd place: Banele Lima (I.D. Mkhize High School)
3^rd place: Wandile Baartman (I.D. Mkhize  High School )

Home Language Junior:
1^st place: Elethu Faku (I.D. Mkhize High School)
2^nd place: Anathi Mxhasa (I.D. Mkhize High School)
3^rd place: Sibabalo Mfanta (I.D. Mkhize High School)

First Additional Language Senior:
1^st place: Siyolise Qoga (Intsebenziswano High School)
2^nd place: Lukho Soga (Intsebenziswano High School)
3^rd place: Yongama Sibanda (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof)
4^th place: Lisakhanya Jack (Apex High School)

First Additional Language Junior:
1^st place: Inathi Simayile (Apex High School)
2^nd place: Ilitha Makehle (Intsebenziswano High School)
3^rd place: Siyakwamkela Notoza (Calling Academy)

Second Additional Language Senior:
1^st place: Moya Marais (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof)
2^nd place: Erin Heath (Springfield Convent)
3^rd place: Mia English (Springfield Convent)
4^th place: Phoenix Ruiters (Hoër Meisieskoel Bloemhof)
5^th place: Dante George (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof)

Second Additional Language Junior:
1^st place: Isabella Abrahams (St. Cyprian’s High School)
2^nd place: Annalien Spies (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof) – not present in photo
3^rd place: Jennifer Roos (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof)

Posted on 24 April 2023 under Kultuur / Culture, PRG Forum