While popular surveys show that public speaking is a great fear for many people, for some it’s just a walk in the park. After months of intensive training, wavering emotions, and thorough preparations, 24 August 2012 will see nine highly gifted orators from across the country battle-it out in South Africa’s leading public speaking competition, the Anglo American Young Communicator Ambassadors (YCA).

The competition kick-started early this year with nationwide workshops for participators and educators, then proceeded to district and provincial eliminations, and will culminate with a national final at Turbine Hall in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Audiences are in for a mind-blowing experience as competitors will showcase their gift of the gab in the hope of walking away with an incredible R65 000 study bursary and R15 000 for their school.  The first runner up will win a R45 000 bursary and R10 000 for their school, while the second runner up will win a R35 000 bursary, plus R7 000 for his or her school.

This year’s line-up of public speaking heavyweights will make the adjudicators’ job even tougher due the amount of talent that will be showcased.

Milliscent Katsane (Gauteng) dazzled crowds when she argued the general notion that “life begins at 40”, while in KwaZulu Natal Thabiso Bhengu proved that his young mind houses insightful thoughts when he urged “the youth to escape from mental slavery”. Free State’s Zinhle Novaza stunned many when she shared insights about the “Born Free” generation, and the same could be said about Zuzi Sijadu of the Western Cape who spoke extensively about “possibility of China taking over the world”.

Limpopo’s silver tongued Mpho Dagada came out top when he challenged the “youth to stand up and take action”, while Mpumalanga’s Minenhle Manana showed great authenticity in her speech ”The Centre of the Universe”.  Competition for the finals heats up even further as North West’s Ditlhopho Makwela left social networks buzzing after she urged the youth to “stop the blame game”, while the Northern Cape was stunned by Thato Seele who gave a heart-to-heart about change.  Finally, Eastern Cape’s Nelisiwe Lehasa delivered a well thought out speech titled “Shoes, yes shoes”, demonstrating why this part of the country has a reputation for taking the most YCA titles.

The YCA, sponsored by Anglo American and presented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) and the Sowetan newspaper, strives to help the grade 11 and 12 pupils from South African public schools who do not have English as a first language, improve their communication proficiency and build confidence through public speaking.

The competition also empowers them to become future leaders by providing them with a variety of skills, including professional etiquette, leadership training, presentation and communication competencies, and mentorship.

Godfrey Gomwe, executive director of Anglo American in South Africa concludes that the YCA is proving to be a significant catalyst in rewriting the future of the country.

“For 19 years, the YCA has been making a vast difference in South Africa by cultivating young talent, helping them to find their voice, and providing them with the skills they require to excel in their lives, be it professionally or personally.

“It is Anglo American’s firm belief that these young people will use the knowledge and experiences they have gained from the competition in creating positive change in their communities, and becoming acknowledged leaders that make a real and remarkable difference.”

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