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 the language 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 )

Huistaal Senior Banele Lima, Siyasanga Dwayi, Wandile Baartman

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)

Huistaal Junior Anathi Mxhasa, Elethu Faku, Sibabalo Mfanta

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)

Eerste Addisionele taal Senior_Siyolise Qoga, Lukho Soga, Yongama Sibanda, Lisakhanya Jack

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)

Eerste Addisionele taal Jnr Ilitha Makehle, Inathi Simayile, Siyakwamkela Notoza

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)

Tweede addisionele taal Senior Moya Marais, Erin Heath, Mia English, Phoenix Ruiters, Dante George

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)

Tweede Addisionele taal Junior Jennifer Roos, Isabella Abrahams, Annelien Spies afwesig

Teachers of participating schools acted as judges during the course of the day. Lecturers at the University of Stellenbosch acted as special judges in the final round. CEO of ENSafrica, Jan Vivier (sponsor of Masithethe!) was also present on the day. Dr Xeketwana (University of Stellenbosch), Salizwa Mdoda. Jan Viviers (ENSafrica), Phimla Sono, Nwabisa Godongwana, Dr Sidjadu (University of Stellenbosch), Rorisang Sethathi, Nonkosi Jikela, Sonwabise Mpoleeni, Nicky Huges, Renèe Guesteyn. Two special judges (University of Stellenbosch), CEO of ENSafrica (Africa’s Largest Law Firm). Dr Xeketwana, Dr Sidjadu, Jan Viviers, Luize Kroukamp.

Dr Sidjadu US, Dr XeketwanaUS, Jan Viviers ENSafrica