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The National Youth Development Agency Invites Eligible Participants to Apply for the Emerging Voices Essay Writing Competition. The closing date for entries is 23 June 2026.
What the Competition Is About
The NYDA, together with Tshwane University of Technology, the University of South Africa and the Linguistic Society of Southern Africa, is running the Emerging Voices Essay Writing Competition.
This contest gives young South Africans a chance to think about the Soweto Uprising and to explore how language, identity, memory, resistance, creativity and youth leadership are shaping the country’s future.
Who Can Take Part
| Category | Who fits here? |
|---|---|
| Category A | High‑school learners in grades 8 to 12 |
| Category B | Young creatives and youth professionals aged 18‑35 |
Only one entry per person is allowed.
How to Write Your Essay
- Original work only – the essay must be yours and must not have been published anywhere before.
- Length – 700 words or fewer.
- Format – Use 12‑point Arial or Times New Roman with 1.5 line spacing.
- Language – You may write in any of South Africa’s 12 official spoken languages.
- File type – Submit the document as a Microsoft Word (.doc / .docx) file or a PDF.
Cover page must contain
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Contact number
- Email address
- Province you live in
- The competition category you are entering
The title of your essay should appear on the first page of the document.
Rules You Must Follow
- No AI tools – Using ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude or any other generative AI to write any part of the essay will lead to disqualification.
- No plagiarism – The NYDA will check each entry for copied material and will remove any essay that breaches copyright.
- Verification – The agency reserves the right to confirm that the work is your own.
- Publishing rights – By entering, you give the NYDA permission to share winning essays or excerpts for promotion and education.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Submit
- Write your essay following the rules above.
- Save the file as a .doc/.docx or PDF.
- Attach the file to an email addressed to AppliedLanguages@tut.ac.za.
- In the email subject line, write: “Emerging Voices Competition – [Your Name] – Category A/B”.
- Send the email before 23 June 2026.
Why You Should Enter
- Your voice matters – This is a platform to tell your story about South Africa’s past and future.
- Recognition – Winning essays will be published and may be used in educational material across the country.
- Boost your résumé – An award from the NYDA looks strong on university and job applications.
- Connect with peers – Meet other young writers who share your passion for change.
Tips for a Strong Essay
- Start with a hook – Open with a short, vivid picture of the Soweto Uprising or a personal experience that ties to the theme.
- Stay on topic – Keep your writing focused on language, identity, memory, resistance, creativity and youth leadership.
- Proofread – Check spelling, punctuation and the word count before you hit send.
- Show, don’t just tell – Use real examples, quotes or short anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I submit an essay written in a language other than English?
A: Yes. Any of South Africa’s 12 official spoken languages are accepted.
Q: What if I accidentally used an AI tool for research?
A: Research is allowed, but the actual writing must be done by you. Any text generated by AI will lead to disqualification.
Q: How will I know if I win?
A: Winners will be contacted by email and announced on the NYDA’s official website and social media channels.
Take the First Step
The Emerging Voices Essay Writing Competition is more than a contest; it’s a chance for you to shape the conversation about South Africa’s future. Write your story, share your perspective, and let the world hear your voice.
Remember: The deadline is 23 June 2026. Send your essay to AppliedLanguages@tut.ac.za today.
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