By Neelam Rahim

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation this morning held an anti-racism school assembly at the Fred Norman Secondary School in Ennerdale in the south of Johannesburg. The foundation also launched it’s annual Youth Essay Writing Competition against Racism. Through the competition, young people between the ages of 15 and 21 are invited to share their thoughts and experiences on the issue of racism.

Radio Islam International discusses with the Anti-Racism Manager at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Rethabile Ratsomo.

According to Rethabile, today’s assembly focused on launching the youth essay writing competition against racism.

Talks to the students included what it means to exist in South Africa with all the different racial and violent acts happening in schools.

Rethabile said it was a great assembly. A scene where a racial incident has recently taken place was a great way to talk to children. To get into their minds, the happenings and the way they feel.

This year the categories have been expanded in ways the youth can enter. Poetry, artwork as well as songs have been included.

“Our founder, Ahmed Kathrada, made it clear when he said our school should be laboratories of anti-racism.”

She added that it is their duty as the foundation to hear the voices of the youth, empower and speak on them.

This is the sixth annual year that the competition has been held. Rethabile said the one thing from the previous writings of the youth in the competition, although the age rate targets people born after 1994, is still something the youth grapples with.

Regarding the importance of this platform for young people. Rathabile told Radio Islam they had seen a great response.

“The platform allows them to express what’s in their heart.”

The competition doesn’t only allow people to voice their experiences about racism. There are nifty prizes to be won.

According to Rethabile, this year, along with a cash prize, is a laptop for the first three winners. The first place is R2000, the second is R1000, and the third is R500, all three include a laptop.

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.