Phuphu Mohlaba from Merensky High School in Tzaneen will represent Limpopo at the national final of the 2010 Anglo American Young Communicator Awards on August 20. The Anglo American Young Communicators Awards (YCA) not only focuses on giving exposure to some of the best young communicators in the country, but also on nurturing leadership skills, English proficiency and a sense of self-confidence. The public-speaking competition is focused mainly on young second- and third-language English learners. Since its commencement, this event has become one of the most preferred public-speaking competitions for many South African schools. According to the judges, Mohlaba displayed outstanding confidence and an understanding of the topic “A great speech about great speakers”. It has been a long journey up to now for Mohlaba, and he has shown remarkable improvement from district level up to the provincial level and now to the national finals. From this well-delivered rendition, Mohlaba seems to be a natural in public speaking. Sedzani Muswede from Louis Trichardt High School was the first runner-up, with a well-delivered presentation on the topic “The other pandemic”. Coming third was Matlou Pataki of SJ van der Merwe Secondary in the Capricorn area, who gave a well-researched speech on the topic “The strength of a black woman”. “These youngsters have various ambitions, from engineering to communications to politics, and the skills they acquire from this competition create an important platform to succeed in their chosen fields one day. By engaging them in thoughtful discussion and debates, YCA aims to foster confident young leaders who are able to use their talents and visions to shape a bright future for themselves and the nation,” states Anglo American South Africa’s executive director, Godfrey Gomwe. The panel included some of South Africa’s influential personalities: Marine Opperman, Siyabesho Thutha and Malungisa Khoza from MUNSA, Harold Takalo from the Department of Education and Rudzani Mashamba, Thobela FM’s Marketing Assistant. The conversation chair was Asanda Magaqa, the Special Assignmentproducer at the SABC.