If you thought the Western Cape was only known for its breath-taking coastline, the ever-buzzing Cape Town, and expanses of beautiful wine lands, think again! Brilliant public speaking talent is the province’s token of pride too. Zuzi Sijadu from Rhenish’s Girls’ High recently dazzled audiences the Western Cape Provincial Legislature with her outstanding performance at the Anglo American Young Communicator Ambassadors earning her a new accolade, Western Cape’s top speaker.

Having displayed true authenticity, natural talent, and undisputable oratory ability, adjudicators could only nod in agreement as to who the clear winner of this provincial final was.

Sijadu will now move on to compete against eight other highly capable speakers from across South Africa at the 2012 YCA national finals in August.  She is undoubtedly ready for the competition, having proved that her young mind does house insightful thoughts and useful knowledge through her powerful winning speech: China taking over the world.

In disbelief, Sijadu shared her utmost gratitude and excitement on winning this contest.

“It still hasn’t sunk in that I’ve won. I have always lived by a motto that states, ‘Strive for success and remain humble when you get it’. Remaining humble will fuel me to strive for more success, which is the national prize in this regard.

“I’m very grateful to my coach, school, Anglo American, the Department of Basic Education and other crucial sponsors for such an incredible opportunity. I will make my province very proud.”

Sijadu is now a step closer to potentially walking away with a R65,000 bursary towards her first year tertiary studies and if she wins the YCA national finals, she will also be eligible to apply for full Anglo American second and third year tertiary bursaries. In addition, the national YCA winner receives R15,000 for their school.

Another strong force to be reckoned with was Heidi Kroukamp from Paarl Girls’ High, who showed great intellectual insight and depth, earning the position of first runner-up with a presentation on ‘Wisdom’.  Babalwa Ndlwana from Blaaubergrandt High, claimed third place with an impressive and well thought out speech focusing on ‘My cellphone, my friend’.

Now in its 19th year, the YCA, sponsored by Anglo American and presented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and media partner Sowetan, strives to help the youth find their voice and build confidence through public speaking, and to use their talents to shape a bright future for themselves and their communities.

Godfrey Gomwe executive director of Anglo American in South Africa says that the company places tremendous importance on investing in the youth and developing their leadership abilities, hence its support of YCA has continued since 1994.

“The YCA essentially unearths South African talent, and provides them with invaluable experience, personal growth and a greater sense of self-confidence. The competition is making a real difference to South Africa’s future by moulding these young individuals to become dynamic and thoughtful leaders of tomorrow.

“One of the main reasons why we have maintained our involvement in this competition is the recognition that a good command of the English language is the springboard to the working world and to career advancement. We are therefore proud of our involvement with the YCA and look forward to seeing the future leaders of our country flourish.”

Ends

For further information, please contact:

South Africa

Hulisani Rasivhaga, Media Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 4401

Notes to editors:

Anglo American is one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American’s portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities – iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals – copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations, extensive pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe. www.angloamerican.com