Finding solutions and answers for addressing racism are part of the theme in the National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism 2023.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is hosting its annual competition, three  decades into South Africa’s democracy.

“Our understanding and belief is that racism is a learnt behavior and it is important for our youth to talk about this issue,” said

the foundations Rethabile Ratsomo.

 Children and youth between 13 and 21 years old  are allowed to participate. “What stands out for us is to be able to bring an individual perspective, being racist or experiencing racism,” Ratsomo explained.

Since last year two other categories were introduced including artwork and poetry. “Participants should be innovative and creative in their submissions, and try to find solutions to racial discrimination and related intolerances, and also find solutions in the power of unity,” she added.

The four topics included in the competition entry are:

Are racial classification still relevant in a free and democratic SA?

What does a racially just South Africa look like to me?

The impact of Apartheid on a born-free generation?

Nobody is born a Racist… So where does it come from?

Prizes for the top two in each category include a cash prize as well as a laptop.

Submissions must be with an entry form, to essays@kathradafoundation.org or dropped off at the foundations office in Lenasia. More details have been posted on the website www.kathradafoundation.org.

Ratsomo claims that the foundation “identified that young people are not very educated on the history of South Africa and racism specifically and how it links to apartheid directly.”

Entries must be submitted by the end of August.

The foundation promotes the values, rights and principals within both the Freedom Charter and the SA Constitution.