BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has urged the 2026 SADC Essay Competition winners to use their achievements as a stepping stone to greater accomplishments, encouraging them to continue reading widely, researching deeply and writing boldly.
Nxumalo said the success of the young writers demonstrated that their ideas could make an impact beyond the classroom and encouraged more learners and students to believe in the value of their voices.
He was speaking during the official award ceremony for the 2026 SADC Essay Competition winners held on today.
“To our students, I say: be bold in your thinking. Be thorough in your research. Be creative in your writing and, above all, believe that your ideas can make a difference,” Nxumalo said.
The Minister’s call comes after University of Eswatini student Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane emerged overall winner of the 2026 SADC Tertiary Institution Essay Competition, placing Eswatini first at regional level.
Simelane received US$2 000, equivalent to approximately E32 400, and a Certificate of Excellence after competing against young writers from across SADC Member States.
Nxumalo described Simelane’s achievement as a demonstration of the ability of Emaswati youth to conduct rigorous research, think critically and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence.
At secondary level, three learners were also recognised for their outstanding performance in the national competition.
Lenhle Khumalo of Evelyn Baring High School received US$500, approximately E8 100, while Hlelolwenkhosi Simelane, also of Evelyn Baring High School, received US$300, approximately E4 900. Bhekiwe Tsabedze of Ka-Boyce High School received US$200, approximately E3 200.
Nxumalo said the three secondary school winners had demonstrated remarkable insight, originality, discipline, critical thinking and effective communication in their writing.
He encouraged the winners to build on their achievements rather than regard them as the end of their journey.
The Minister said the SADC Essay Competition was more than a writing exercise, as it gives young people an opportunity to engage with regional issues, strengthen their research and analytical skills and contribute ideas towards the future of Southern Africa.
He further encouraged schools and tertiary institutions to participate in the 2027 competition with greater enthusiasm while raising the quality of research, writing and critical engagement.
Nxumalo also commended parents, teachers, school heads and education officials for supporting the learners and thanked the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for its continued partnership in coordinating the competition.
He said the achievements of the 2026 winners should inspire more young people to participate, develop their ideas and recognise that their voices can contribute meaningfully to the development of the region.
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