Prince Nwadeyi enthralled the audience and captivated the judges before walking away with this year’s Young Communicators Award (YCA). He proved to be the most talented of the nine finalists on the afternoon as he wove a spell that enchanted the crowded Anglo American auditorium audience on 28 September 2013 which earned him first prize in the Anglo American’s Young Communicator Awards.

Prince has taken the first steps towards a bright future with a R65 000 tertiary bursary and a further R15 000 for his school – Queens College.

Prince’s speech ‘Ignite’ showed an agility of mind and depth of thought far beyond his tender age. It was not just his ideas that swayed the judges but the passion that Prince brought to his argument.

“I don’t know how I should feel; my emotions are all over the place. I am so overwhelmed. It’s been an amazing journey and I must thank Anglo American, the Sowetan and the Department of Basic Education for this crucial platform,” the winner said.

Prince did not have it easy. Kudzai Sibanda from Western Cape with his speech titled Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow, proved to be an exceptional speaker as well. Siamkele Thompson from Northern Cape also showed keen insight in a well thought out speech entitled I am a South Africa.

Siamkele walked away with R45 000 and R10 000 for his school, while Kudzai won R35 000 and R7 000 for his school.

For the past twenty years the YCA, sponsored by Anglo American and presented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and media partner Sowetan, has helped grade 11 and 12 pupils who do not speak English as a first language build self-confidence and communication proficiency through public speaking.

Khanyisile Kweyama, executive director of Anglo American in South Africa, says the YCA has been an effective tool for youth skills development which has spurred personal growth, and is helping to rewrite the future through empowerment of young leaders.

“In these nine young people we see a bright future. We hope that they will utilize this opportunity to build and advance towards a bright future. In competition we celebrate the winners but all the participants of YCA 2013 have without a doubt acquired skills that will help them face challenges with a lot more confidence.

“We have always believed that this competition is a springboard, and a way for Anglo American to help young people find their own voice and use it to make a positive change, not only in their own lives, but also within in their communities. For this reason Anglo American is proud of our involvement with the YCA.”

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