22 April 2025 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe | Photo: Sifiso Nomzaza.
2 minutes read time.
Joy and emotion filled the atmosphere at Thuto Tiro Engineering School of Specialization when Ms. Zonke Qwela was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 School Reading Competition hosted by the African Languages Development Unit (ALDU) of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in collaboration with its Department of Community Engagement.
Although her winning performance was celebrated during the competition on 07 March at the Saul Tsotetsi Centre in Sebokeng, Zonke received her prize, a brand new tablet (sponsored by VTC) and a leather notes book diary, during a special handover at her school. Surprised and overwhelmed, she was visibly moved to tears, nodding slightly when asked if she was happy. The moment was powerful and humbling, reflecting the emotional weight of her achievement.
The handover sparked celebration across the school community. Thuto Tiro Principal, Mr Jeffrey Kumalo, proudly paraded the tablet through the corridors, showing it to other learners as a symbol of success and hard work. “These are the rewards of dedication and seizing opportunity,” he told the learners. “Zonke has shown us what is possible when potential meets preparation.”
The School Reading Competition forms part of VUT’s broader outreach and Human Rights Month programme, designed to preserve and promote African languages such as isiZulu, Sesotho, and isiXhosa. Learners from three local schools, Thuto Tiro, Botebo Tsebo Secondary School, and Moshate Secondary School, participated in four categories: reading, prepared speech, unprepared speech, and poetry.
This initiative aims to create a platform where learners can engage with their cultural identity through language while developing literacy and public speaking skills. Key stakeholders, including PanSALB, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Emfuleni Local Municipality, and others supported the competition.
A highlight of the event was the motivational address by acclaimed author and media personality Mr Calvin Mogajane, who spoke of resilience, pride, and the importance of preserving African languages. His story inspired all attendees and echoed the core values of the competition. Ms Zonke Qwela’s quiet, tearful response during her prize handover spoke louder than words. Her achievement is a tribute to the power of language, the importance of representation, and the impact of nurturing talent at the grassroots level. Through this moment, she has inspired her peers and her entire community.
