By Charmaine Ndlela
South African learners have raised the country’s flag high at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secondary School Essay Competition, with KwaZulu-Natal learner Siyambonga Makhoba securing third place in the regional competition.
Makhoba, from Empangeni High School, was awarded US$750 (R12 000) and a certificate for his third-place finish. As one of South Africa’s regional finalists, he also received US$500 (R8000).
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Nokuzola Magwayi of New Vision Secondary School in the North West was ranked tenth among participating learners.
The competition brought together secondary school learners from across the 16 SADC member states.
The SADC Secretariat annually allocates US$1,000 (R 16 000) to participating member states to be allocated to their top three learners, who then advance to the regional stage.
At the regional stage, the winners collectively share US$3,250 (R53 000), with certificates recognising their achievements.
Zimbabwe’s Thulani Mahambire emerged as the regional winner, walking away with US$1,500 and a certificate, while Dirse Carmem Francisco of Mozambique took second place and received US$1,000 and a certificate.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) congratulated Makhoba, Magwayi and Alwande Madlala of Ndondakusuka Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal, who were among South Africa’s top finalists.
Magwayi received US$300 (R 5 000), while Madlala took home US$200.(R 3000).
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The three learners emerged as South Africa’s top finalists following a rigorous selection process by the DBE and regional adjudicators.
The learners were required to submit essays of up to 1,000 words on the topic: “How can SADC achieve industrialisation, transform agriculture, and energy transition for a resilient future?”
The theme was derived from the priorities of the 45th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Madagascar in August 2025.
The competition challenged young people to examine some of the region’s most pressing development priorities and put forward ideas on how Southern Africa can build a more resilient and sustainable future.
According to the DBE, the South African finalists produced thought-provoking ideas focused on industrialisation, agricultural transformation and energy transition.
“Well done to our learners for representing South Africa with distinction!,” the department said in a statement.
SADC said the competition provided a platform for young people to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity and understanding of regional issues, while encouraging greater engagement with the SADC integration agenda.
The competition also forms part of broader efforts to encourage youth participation in discussions around regional cooperation, development and sustainable growth.
SADC said the initiative brings together learners, students and media practitioners from across member states, creating a platform for participants to engage with issues affecting the region.
The organisation said the initiative demonstrates the importance of youth participation, informed public discourse and professional journalism in advancing regional integration, cooperation and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
The 2027 SADC competition is expected to be launched in November 2026, providing another opportunity for young people across the region to engage with issues shaping the future of Southern Africa.
