Today, 9th February 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the 2023 State of the Nation (SONA) address.

We asked you to write a letter to the president expressing how you felt about the country and your community.

We were blown away by the entries received – your writing shows that you love and care about Mzansi. So many of you also shared challenges you experienced and solutions to these issues. Thank you for your sharing your thoughts with fellow Fundza readers and us.

The winners are…

First prize winner

Zikhona Sonyoni, Gauteng

“I am so excited, I did not expect this! I am going to spend the money on essentials I need for Varsity this year. Thank you so much Fundza.”

Read her winning entry here

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First runner-up

Makgwale Sekele, Eastern Cape

“I want to start by thanking Fundza for selecting me as one of the winners. I feel so overwhelmed because this is my first time ever winning a competition. I feel really ecstatic that I was selected as a runner up for this competition . It caught me off guard and it came at a perfect time as I was starting to lose confidence in my writing skills. This means a lot to me. This competition helped me tackle my writers block and I’m now confident about them than I have ever been. I plan on using the prize money to buy crockery and other house items for my off campus accommodation. Thank you so much much.”

Read her winning entry here

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Second runner-up

Thabiso Morelo, Western Cape

“Favorite quote, ‘Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become’ – James Clear

I am very happy about this win. One of my goals for this year was to write more and I appreciate feeling that I am moving in the right direction. I will be spending the money on a personal development course I’ve had my eye on for some time now. Again, I really appreciate this a lot.”

Read her winning entry here

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Second runner-up

Motheo Lethu Masuku, Gauteng

“I’m so overwhelmed with joy that I finally won a prize from the Fundza Literacy Trust. I give thanks to the organisation and my parents for encouraging me to read and write stories on this platform. Thank you so much.”

Read her winning entry here

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Second runner-up

Marry-Anne Sithole, Gauteng

“No matter how hard life knocks you down, never forget your worth. I will spend the money fixing my phone and buy some groceries.”

Reading her winning entry here

Congratulations to all the winners!