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Nou praat jy! 2026. Lig jou kop: Nou praat jy! Mik weer vir die top. Laat jou tong klop: Die kompetisie, aangebied deur Curro Durbanville High School, wat Afrikaans in al haar vorme vier, is terug!
South Africa’s cheekiest public speaking competition is back, and it’s aiming higher.
Last year, Nou praat jy! burst onto the scene and dared high schoolers across the country to open their mouths and mean it. They did. Loudly. Beautifully. And in Afrikaans.
A total of 22 teams entered the inaugural competition, with schools travelling from as far as Graaff-Reinet and Lutzville to take part, a clear sign that this is more than just another school event.
Now, Curro Durbanville High School is back for round two – and this year, the theme is Kyk Noord!
Because, as any self-respecting map will tell you, noord is always at the top. And that’s exactly where the organisers want contestants’ heads: up, eyes forward, voices carrying. Lig kom van bo, after all. Or so they say.
What is Nou praat jy! exactly?
Glad you asked. It’s South Africa’s premier Afrikaans public speaking competition, with a twist. Two speakers. One speech. Presented in unison. Five to seven minutes to make the judges forget to breathe.
Last year’s theme celebrated Afrikaans at 100. This year? We’re not looking back. We’re looking north. The competition is open to Afrikaans Home Language and First Additional Language speakers in two categories – Juniors (Grades 8 and 9) and Seniors (Grades 10 to 12).
Speeches may be persuasive, entertaining or motivational, but what truly sets this competition apart is the format: two speakers delivering a single, seamless speech, driven by natural, spontaneous interaction. A winning speech blends strong content, creative language, and an authentic team dynamic to deliver a message that feels fresh and meaningful.
Or, as one memorable line from a 2025 speech put it: “Afrikaans is nie net ’n taal van kleure en klanke nie – dis ’n taal met ’n stem wat dink, ’n hart wat droom en voete wat spore trap.”
Why it matters now
In a world saturated with opinions and noise, the ability to think critically, form your own viewpoint, and express it clearly has never been more important. Competitions like Nou praat jy! create space for learners to do exactly that – in a language that is rich, diverse and deeply rooted in South African identity.
‘What sets this competition apart is that participants are encouraged to express themselves in the Afrikaans they feel most comfortable in. We want to hear the language in all its forms, to recognise it, celebrate it, and give it the space it deserves. Platforms like this are about more than performance; they play a meaningful role in preserving and growing Afrikaans,’ say organisers Joline de Klerk and Maritsa Smit, Afrikaans teachers at Curro Durbanville.
‘At a time when young people are constantly navigating a flood of information, opinions and voices online, the ability to think critically, form independent perspectives, and articulate them with confidence and clarity has never been more important. This competition creates a space where those skills can be developed and expressed.’
A competition with heart (and serious talent)
It was clear from last year’s event that Afrikaans remains a living, breathing language – full of humour, creativity and connection. Each team interpreted the theme “Afrikaans, ’n taal van kleure en klank” in its own way, delivering unique perspectives that reflected both personal identity and broader cultural relevance.
The experience left a lasting impression on participants and teachers alike:
“Baie dankie vir ’n ongelooflike ervaring. Ons is veilig terug en gevul met opgewondenheid vir volgende jaar – ons is beslis weer daar met nog meer spanne. Die kwaliteit van jul kompetisie, die seepglad reëlings en verloop maak dit die moeite (en km’s!) werd.” Pieter Pienaar, Hoër Volkskool Graaff-Reinet
“Baie dankie vir ’n heerlike kompetisie, ek het dit baie geniet en dit regtig vermaaklik gevind. Ons kom definitief volgende jaar weer met ’n klomp spanne.” Emrie Stofberg, Hoërskool Stellenbosch
Nou praat jy! 2026 – Are you ready?
Top learners, this is your moment. Juniors, seniors, home language, additional language – step up and show us what you have got. There are three ways to shine: entertain by telling a story in your own dialect, inspire by moving the audience with the Afrikaans you love, and argue by standing up and speaking on something you care about.
Remember the theme: Kyk Noord!
And the prizes?
First place takes R10 000, second R6 000, and third R4 000 – per category, per school. Yes, really. Time to start practising!
Entries close 8 May 2026. Get your form on the Curro Durbanville High School website or from joline.d@curro.co.za
Kyk noord. Hou jou kop omhoog. Sê jou sê.
Read more school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
https://www.curro.co.za/schools/curro-durbanville-high-school/
Photos supplied
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