The iNkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History Competition took place at the Makupula Leadership Centre in East London, Eastern Cape from 21-23 August 2025. The competition was hosted by the Department of Basic Education (DBE)’s Social Cohesion Directorate, in partnership with the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs). The first day saw learners and educators from participating schools delivering presentations in various categories including storytelling, story writing and research. In the Young Historian Educators category, first place was awarded to Mr Michael Ludick from Free State, second place went to Ms Keorapetse Moalushi from North West and the third place winner was Mr Andre van der Spuy from Western Cape. In the Young Historian Learners Grade 10 division, first place went to Abulele Sontangane from Eastern Cape, second place was awarded to Goseame Saula from Free State and third place went to Onkarabile Putu from Gauteng. The participating schools also scooped several awards in poetry, which highlighted learners’ creativity, giving voice to identity, heritage and collective memory.
The iNkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History Competition was initiated to deepen learners’ understanding of history, heritage and constitutional values while strengthening social cohesion, service delivery, innovation and sustainability. Rooted in South Africa’s democratic dispensation post 1994, the initiative has been utilized as a critical tool to reaffirm the country’s commitment to a non-racial, non-sexist and inclusive education system that upholds human dignity and human rights. The competition serves as a testament to the transformative power of education in shaping a just and equitable society.
Through the Oral History Competition, learners engage critically with South Africa’s rich historical legacy while fostering multilingualism, cultural appreciation and social cohesion. The programme, implemented across the Foundation, Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) Phases, equips learners with vital 21st-century skills. Its alignment with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) ensures both academic rigour and relevance. It also provides a platform to honour unsung heroes and heroines whilst highlighting key moments in the nation’s past.
In 2025, the programme expanded with District Awards for Grades 3 and 6, strengthening early competencies in research, critical thinking and communication. By encouraging skills such as writing, oral presentation and innovative knowledge sharing, younger learners gain the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s democratic story. During the proceedings, participants were immersed in a powerful journey of remembrance during a visit to the Steve Biko Centre in Qonce, Eastern Cape. This excursion offered more than historical knowledge; it connected learners to South Africa’s struggle for freedom and the ideals that shaped democracy. A highlight was the engagement with Ms Nontsikelelo Biko Mashalaba who shared the vision behind the Centre as a place of memory, resilience and hope, inspiring learners to use storytelling and creativity to honour the past while shaping the nation’s future.
The competition resonated with the 2025 national theme of unity and solidarity. Deputy Minister Mhaule emphasised compassion and collective responsibility during her address, presenting donations to communities affected by recent Eastern Cape floods. She praised learners, DBE staff and community members for their generosity. “These contributions would provide essential relief and restore hope amongst the victims of the Mthatha flood disaster. The Competition therefore was more than a contest. It celebrated memory, dialogue and education. By uniting learners, educators and communities in honouring the past, the programme contributed to a more inclusive, cohesive and forward-looking South Africa,” remarked Deputy Minister Mhaule.