Video published with permission of the organisers of the event
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The main focus and goal of the competition is just what Masithethe stands for. Let’s talk! This competition is a building block for social cohesion. It is a fantastic platform to promote a multilingual society where we all try to understand each other better. It gives a space where Xhosa can be promoted and learners can share their ideas, dreams and feelings in Xhosa.
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Hi Christine, congratulations on organising the second successful Masithethe! isiXhosa oratory competition at Paul Roos. Please would you tell our readers about this competition and its background? What gave you the idea or inspired you to organise a toastmaster’s event of this kind at Paul Roos?
Thank you, Naomi. This competition was initiated by Jan Viviers from ENS africa, who had the idea of creating a platform where learners can have the opportunity to speak Xhosa and take part in a Xhosa oratory competition. ENS africa is also the sponsor of the event. We at Paul Roos Gymnasium embraced this idea because we believe that there is a need for a platform where Xhosa speakers of any level can inform, entertain and convince an audience. This is also what inspired the name of the competition, Masithethe, meaning “let’s talk”.
Even though I was the organiser this year, I was standing on the shoulders of giants. This competition was a team effort with our head of culture, Luize Kroukamp, who created most of the rubrics and rules; Nonkosi Jikela from Rhenish Girls’ High, helping with the translation; and Luna Paige, doing the marketing for the competition.
Please explain some of the practicalities of the event: who are the judges, are there specific topics the learners can choose from, and are there different categories available?
We have three categories that learners can take part in, namely home language, first additional language and second additional language. Learners can then choose whether they want to do an informative, entertaining or persuasive speech. Learners can choose any topic that they want to talk about.
We have been privileged to have teachers from the participating schools to act as our judges. Simthembile Xeketwana and Zameka Sidjadu from the University of Stellenbosch judged the final rounds for us.
https://paulroos.co.za/masithethe-grows-from-strength-to-strength-to-strength/
What is the main focus and goal of this competition?
The main focus and goal of the competition is just what Masithethe stands for. Let’s talk! This competition is a building block for social cohesion. It is a fantastic platform to promote a multilingual society where we all try to understand each other better. It gives a space where Xhosa can be promoted and learners can share their ideas, dreams and feelings in Xhosa.
What was the feedback on the competition – from participants and the general audience/listeners alike?
The learners really enjoyed the day. I had many of the participating schools sending messages of thanks and saying they are looking forward to next year. It was fantastic to hear Xhosa resounding through the hallways when passing the classes where learners took part. It was amazing to see learners getting emotional after winning a prize. The day was full of good vibes, and the feedback I got was that we should continue doing the good work this competition is doing.
Do you think that competitions like this one can create a buzz and, more importantly, emphasise the importance of every language in this country? How do you see the future of this competition?
Yes, this competition is a stepping stone for creating more social cohesion in our community, and perhaps even the whole country. It does emphasise the importance of every language in this country. Even just being able to greet someone in their mother tongue makes a huge difference. It shows that you are trying and reaching out to make a difference.
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It does emphasise the importance of every language in this country. Even just being able to greet someone in their mother tongue makes a huge difference. It shows that you are trying and reaching out to make a difference.
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We need more competitions like this. It was heart-warming seeing learners from all walks of life and different cultures enjoying each other’s company and spending time together. Language can truly unite us all, even though we don’t all speak the same language; it is the differences that make life beautiful and interesting. We can learn so much from each other and each other’s language and culture, if we just give one another a chance.
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