Nkanyiso Bityela wins Mxit Reach's Ibali Lami writing competition

Mxit Reach, in partnership with the Department of Communications, UNICEF, FunDza Literacy Trust and Pearson South Africa, sponsored the competition, aimed at Grade 8-12 learners in South Africa.

Developing writing skills

Ibali Lami, meaning 'My Story' in Xhosa, was designed to encourage young people to develop their writing skills. Learners were asked to write a short story of up to 300 words on their mobile phones in which they imagine themselves as a 25 year old in South Africa. They were encouraged to write in their home languages.

The five finalists were chosen by public votes, and were invited to attend the prize-giving event, held last week at the Department of Design.

Officials from the GCIS, UNICEF, Pearson, FunDza Literacy Trust, the Dutch Consul General, Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and schools attended to celebrate with the finalists and winner and the success of the campaign.

"I worked very hard for my dreams to come true. Education is the key to my success; you must know what you want in life," says Biyela.