FOR their discussions on the ‘Myth of the Rainbow Nation’, three Richards Bay High School learners walked away with top accolades after being voted winners in this year’s Rotary Team Talk competition.
For three years, Shae-Lyn Prawlall, Calista Kinsey and Bomi Vumase have refined and perfected their speech to such a degree that they were hands down winners this year, after having finished second owing to a time penalty last year.
Speaking about the culture of entitlement, racial rejection and resentment, inequality in schools, education and the workforce, as well as language barriers, the girls highlighted the problems in society as seen on the school field.
Throughout the competition judges not only judged this team on each member’s speaking ability and grasp of their chosen topic, but also on the solutions they offered.
Speaking from of their own experience, the girls brought about a solution that should be applied by everyone across the board – a willingness to serve at school, in society and within the community.
Setting up outreach programmes to help those in need was their proposed solution which they have, not only as a team, but also at school, already put in place.
Shae-Lyn, Calista and Bomi flew through each round of this year’s competition and on Monday evening were awarded the Lorraine van Koert Trophy for winning the preliminary round.
For winning the quarter-finals, they won a cash prize of R2 000 from the Rotary Club of Richards Bay, while for winning the finals they won the shield and a cash prize of R20 000 to be donated where they see fit.
The girls chose Ntongande High School in Mzingazi as the beneficiary of their winnings owing to the school’s lack of equipment and space.
At times, there are 180 learners crammed into one classroom.
Principal Sithembiso Mnqayi was overwhelmed by the donation and said it was appreciated and would be put to good use.
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