By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Knight Piésold Southern Africa has launched the Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition 2025, aimed at fostering creativity and innovation among Grade 10 and 11 learners in rural secondary schools in Gauteng.
The initiative was first introduced in 2019, the Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition forms a core part of Knight Piésold’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme.
This is part of its commitment to youth development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Following the successful revival of the competition in 2024, the 2025 edition aims to deepen impact within the Gauteng province by engaging more schools, supporting infrastructure needs, and encouraging young South Africans to see themselves as agents of change.
Theme for 2025: “Innovating for Impact: How Young Minds Can Engineer a Sustainable South Africa”. This year’s theme invites learners to reflect on how innovation, engineering, and science can address pressing issues such as:
• Access to clean water and reliable energy
• Infrastructure development
• Waste management
• Education and digital equity
The competition also promotes youth leadership in climate action and sustainability, encouraging learners to propose ideas that are informed by both modern technology and local community needs.
Target Schools and Learners
The competition is open to Grade 10 and 11 learners from no-fee or partially subsidised public high schools in Gauteng, with support and collaboration from the Gauteng Department of Education.
Key Dates:
• Competition Launch: 22 July 2025
• Essay Writing Period: 1 – 29 August 2025
• Judging: 5 – 12 September 2025
• Finalist Notification: 17 September 2025
• Prize-Giving Ceremony: 15 October 2025
Awards and School Contributions:
A combined prize value of R375,000 will be awarded, recognising both the learners and their schools. The top five essay writers will receive cash prizes, and the schools of winning learners will receive funding to implement meaningful infrastructure or educational support projects.
Prize Breakdown:
• 1st Place: R8,500 for learner | R125,000 for school project
• 2nd Place: R6,500 | R85,000
• 3rd Place: R5,000 | R70,000
• 4th Place: R3,000 | R45,000
• 5th Place: R2,000 | R25,000
Winning schools may use the funds toward initiatives such as classroom refurbishments, library development, STEM lab resources, or sanitation upgrades, in consultation with Knight Piésold and the Department of Education.