The Arabic National Essay Competition, conducted during February and March 2026, was established as a national educational initiative to encourage academic excellence and promote the study of the Arabic language among South African high school learners and university students.

Participants submitted original handwritten essays in Arabic on approved educational, historical, cultural, and linguistic themes.

A total of 37 school learners and university students participated in the competition, reflecting the growing interest in Arabic language education among South African youth.

The competition was conducted in two categories: Category A: Grades 10–12 and Category B: Higher Education and Universities.

Winners of the Arabic National Essay Competition 2026

Category A – High Schools

First Place: Saodat Karimova – Al Ghazali College, Pretoria

Second Place: Nagla Shendy – Islamia College Girls High, Cape Town

Third Place: Muaaz Essy – Johannesburg Muslim School, Johannesburg

Category B – Higher Education

First Place: Ekeletsa Mollo – University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Second Place: Insaaf Pillay – Deen Arts Foundation, Cape Town

Third Place: Elaf Amer – University of Cape Town

The top-performing participants received educational prizes, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. All participants were awarded Certificates of Participation in recognition of their commitment and achievement.

Academic and Diplomatic Dialogue

The Arabic Language and Cultural Day featured distinguished speakers from government, universities, diplomatic missions, and community organisations who explored the present status and future development of Arabic language education in South Africa.

Academic and Community Perspectives

Dr. Jamal Asani, Assistant, Department of Humanities, University of Johannesburg

Topic: The History of the Arabic Language in South Africa: Past and Present

Dr. Asani examined the historical development of Arabic in South Africa and highlighted its contribution to religious scholarship, education, and cultural heritage.

Dr. Zaid Langa, President, South African Black Muslims Conference (SABMC)
Senior Lecturer, University of South Africa (UNISA)

Topic: The Status of Arabic at South African Muslim Schools, Private Islamic Institutions and South African Universities

Dr. Langa analysed the current state of Arabic education in South Africa, highlighting both achievements and future challenges.

Mr. Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, Founder and Former Chief Executive Officer, AWQAF South Africa

Topic: Promoting the Arabic Language through South African Organisations

Mr. Cajee emphasised the significant role of community organisations in expanding Arabic language education and supporting educational development.

Diplomatic and Strategic Perspectives

Hon. Ganief Hendricks, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Republic of South Africa

Topic: Opportunities for South African Youth through Learning the Arabic Language

The Deputy Minister highlighted the educational, economic, and international opportunities available to South African youth through Arabic language proficiency.

H.E. Mr. Ali Achoui, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to South Africa

Topic: The Role of the Embassy of Algeria in Promoting Arabic in South Africa

His Excellency reaffirmed Algeria’s continued commitment to supporting Arabic language education through educational partnerships, scholarships, and cultural exchange programmes.

H.E. Mr. Reyad Al Akbari, Head of Arab States in South Africa

Topic: Future Strategies for the Promotion of the Arabic Language in South Africa

His Excellency discussed opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Arab diplomatic missions, South African educational institutions, and community organisations to advance Arabic language education.

Mr. Camillo Mubarak, Deputy Director, International Knowledge Foundation, South Africa

Topic: The Establishment of the Arabic Language and Cultural Centre in Pretoria, South Africa: Vision and Mission

Mr. Mubarak presented the Foundation’s vision to establish a national Arabic Language and Cultural Centre dedicated to education, research, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

Awards Ceremony

The winners of the Arabic National Essay Competition were officially announced by Dr. Shoyab Ahmed, Senior Lecturer at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Judge of the 2026 Competition.

Dr. Ahmed commended the participants for the high standard of their work and congratulated the winners on their outstanding academic achievement.

One of the highlights of the Arabic Language and Cultural Day was the special recognition of two outstanding former learners of Al Ghazali College, Muhammad Salman Karimov and Aamir Tarki, who successfully completed the memorisation of the Holy Qur’an (Hifz) under the guidance of Maulana Iqbal Darki while simultaneously completing their secondary education.

The International Knowledge Foundation and Al Ghazali College commended their achievement as an inspiring example of discipline, perseverance, and the successful integration of religious and academic education.

During the ceremony, it was emphasised that the Holy Qur’an, revealed in the Arabic language, remains the foremost source for preserving the richness, eloquence, and literary heritage of classical Arabic, and continues to inspire scholarship, intellectual growth, cultural understanding, and the study of the Arabic language across the world.

Awards, prizes, certificates, and certificates of appreciation were presented to the competition winners, distinguished speakers, diplomatic representatives, sponsors, volunteers, and partner organisations.

Closing Address

The programme concluded with remarks by Prof. Yasien Sayed, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, who thanked the participating institutions, diplomatic missions, educators, learners, sponsors, and organisers for their collective contribution to promoting multilingual education, cultural understanding, and academic excellence.

Director General’s Statement

Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Asadullah Karimov, Director General of the International Knowledge Foundation, stated:

“The Arabic Language and Cultural Day demonstrates the growing importance of Arabic language education in South Africa. Through the collective efforts of educational institutions, diplomatic missions, community organisations, and dedicated educators, we are building stronger educational and cultural bridges between South Africa and the Arab world. The Arabic National Essay Competition is an important investment in the next generation of scholars, educators, and global citizens.”

Dr. Karimov expressed his sincere appreciation to all ambassadors, diplomatic missions, government representatives, speakers, educational institutions, sponsors, judges, volunteers, parents, learners, students, and partner organisations whose support contributed to the success of the event.

About the International Knowledge Foundation

The International Knowledge Foundation – South Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting education, research, cultural exchange, leadership development, and international cooperation. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, diplomatic missions, government departments, and community organisations, the Foundation seeks to advance academic excellence and strengthen mutual understanding among nations.

Among its long-term initiatives is the establishment of an Arabic Language and Cultural Centre in Pretoria, which will provide opportunities for Arabic language instruction, teacher development, research, cultural programmes, conferences, and international educational collaboration.

Media Enquiries

International Knowledge Foundation – South Africa

Dr. Asadullah Karimov
Director General and Competition Coordinator
Head Office: Pretoria, South Africa

Email:
knowledgefoundationsa@gmail.com
Website:
www.knowledgefoundationsa.com