Curro Durbanville High School in Cape Town hosted the second edition of Nou Praat Jy! on 30 July 2026, drawing teams from Graaff‑Reinet, Lutzville, Porterville and beyond. The national Afrikaans public speaking competition, themed Kyk Noord!, also encouraged learners to look forward with paired speeches that highlighted conversational delivery and regional dialects.

Organisers and Afrikaans teachers Joline de Klerk and Maritsa Smit emphasised the competition’s deeper purpose: “In a world crowded with opinions and noise, the ability to think for yourself and to express those thoughts clearly and confidently matters more than ever. Competitions like Nou Praat Jy! also give learners exactly that opportunity, in a language as rich and diverse as the country in which it is spoken.”

The event featured Junior (Grades 8–9) and Senior (Grades 10–12) categories across Afrikaans Home Language and First Additional Language divisions, with winning teams awarded R10 000.

Winner Spotlight

In the Junior First Additional Language division, Curro Somerset West’s Mia van Tubbergh and Ayla Daniël‑Ramouthar indeed impressed the judges with their confident delivery, securing first place. Curro Durbanville’s Aisha Gaibe and Annabella Stam followed closely, earning a proud second place.

The Junior Home Language category was led by Hoër Volkskool Graaff‑Reinet’s Margite van der Merwe and Zoë Campher. Their eloquence won them top honors. Hoërskool Overberg’s Mia Odendaal and Talitha van den Heever claimed second place. Hoërskool Parel Vallei’s Berné Peters and Alexander Mac Gillivray took third.

In the Senior First Additional Language division, Curro Durbanville’s Ngcali Dantile and Maddison‑Mae Alexander delivered a standout performance. They earned first place and joint recognition as Best Senior Speakers. Hoërskool Parel Vallei’s Reiley Capes and Darren Tobias secured second place. Curro Somerset West’s Nahum Christians and Xara‑Leigh Johnson achieved third.

The Senior Home Language category was dominated by Hoërskool Porterville’s Néca Damon and Hadlii Strauss, whose powerful duet earned them first place. Hoër Volkskool Graaff‑Reinet’s Mia Prinsloo and Mikha Enslin took second. Hoërskool Lutzville’s Zyla Kate Smit and Lisa Rossouw proudly claimed third.

Individual excellence was also celebrated. Mia van Tubbergh was named Best Junior First Additional Language Speaker. Talitha van den Heever shone as Best Junior Home Language Speaker. Anja Muller distinguished herself as Best Senior Home Language Speaker.

The competition formed part of Curro Durbanville’s Kultura‑fees. It also featured celebrated performers such as Albert Pretorius, Schalk Joubert, Margit Meyer‑Rödenbeck, Deon van Zyl, Alfred Adriaan, Francois van Coke and Karen Zoid with Anton Eloff.

https://www.curro.co.za/schools/curro-durbanville-high-school/

Photos supplied