Enthusiastic scholars from across Gauteng will once again have the opportunity to demonstrate their impeccable public speaking and language skills on 21 April 2012, when the 2012 Anglo American Young Communicator Ambassadors (YCA) provincial competition takes place in Johannesburg.

The YCA is a public speaking competition open to Grade 11 and 12 learners from across South Africa, who do not speak English as a first language. At the free training workshops provided all over the country, contestants are taught how to hone their presentation and oral communication skills, kindle their leadership capabilities and sharpen critical thinking and decision making abilities.

Following the commencement of the workshops and district eliminations, Gauteng contestants will now be involved in an intense competition in which they will be required to present a speech of between three and five minutes. This speech will have to be written and delivered in such a way that it convinces a panel of judges that they deserve to represent Gauteng at the YCA national finals.

After the formal speeches, contestants will be required to present an opening statement on a pre-determined topic. Subsequently, they will have to quickly think on their feet when the chairperson questions them on this statement, and guides a discussion on the given topic.

The awards, which are now in its 19th year, are sponsored by Anglo American and is presented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and media partner Sowetan. The potential rewards on offer are high, as scholars entering the National Finals, have the opportunity to win prize money towards their first year tertiary studies and qualifying learners will be eligible to apply for full Anglo American second and third year tertiary study bursaries.

The provincial workshops and competitions were once again a resounding success in 2011, evident by the fact that in Gauteng alone there was almost 100% attendance at workshops, with 395 learners and 135 teachers attending.

Gauteng Provincial coordinator, Peggy Manganye notes that the competition is broadening the country’s skills base.

“The students involved in the competition have become better-rounded in their overall knowledge base, and have learnt critical skills for the development of their ability to communicate and debate English. Acquiring these skills will resultantly help them forge sustainable careers in fields where communication is essential, such as journalism and public relations.”

Godfrey Gomwe, executive director of Anglo American in South Africa concludes that the YCA has a widespread and considerable impact on youth development in South Africa.

“The YCA doesn’t merely improve young people’s capabilities in speaking and writing English, but also provides them with the confidence to become active leaders, and forge a distinctive and memorable path in life.

“Thus, the competition is making a real difference towards the growth of South Africa’s economy by adequately preparing young people for the challenges they will undoubtedly face in the workplace and in life in general.”

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