The YCA programme is a public speaking competition aimed at grade 11 and 12 learners who do not speak English as a first language, and is sponsored by Anglo American and presented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and Sowetan newspaper.
Since its inception in 1994, the programme has served to provide exposure for talented young South Africans, improve their oral and presentation proficiency, and provide them with the confidence required to become exceptional leaders. Even though there is ultimately one winner, all those who participate walk away with invaluable experience, personal growth and a greater sense of self-confidence.
Well on the road to the national finals, this emerging public speaker displayed all the skills required to excel in the competition. He will now have the opportunity to compete in the national finals where the winner will walk away with a substantial amount towards their first year of tertiary studies.
Mbatha notes that participating in the YCA has not just provided him with an invaluable experience, it has also helped him realise both his strengths and weaknesses. "I would like to thank Anglo American's on-going support, Sowetan's exposure and the Department of Basic Education's platform. This has been a very insightful journey and I'm truly grateful. It took dedication and long hours of preparation to be crowned as Gauteng's best orator."
Mbatha received R1 000 for winning the provincial contest, and stands a chance of winning R60,000 at the national finals towards his tertiary studies. R10,000 prize money will go towards his school. He will represent Gauteng at the 2013 YCA national finals in September.
Anglo American executive director in South Africa, Khanyisile Kweyama, says that the YCA provides young people with a crucial advantage in their life paths. "Communication skills are the cornerstone of success in the working world and they equip young people with the confidence to handle a variety of situations, both professionally and personally.
"It is for this reason that Anglo American has proudly supported the Young Communicator Ambassadors for so many years, as the competition unearths a wealth of talent each year, and provides young people with the necessary communication tools that will help them make their voices heard in today's society."
