It was all joy for Daniel Kawonga, Third year Bachelor of Education Social Science student at University of Malawi (UNIMA) after winning the 2023 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition.
The 23-year-old was announced as the winner during the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, in Harare Zimbabwe.
The competition was announced in November, 2023 for SADC tertiary institutions students to submit essays.
The title of the 2024 SADC tertiary institution essay competition was ” What in Your Opinion has SADC Achieved Since Its Formation and Does it Reflect the Vision of its Founders?
Speaking in an interview with ProjectM, Kawonga said he felt moved to participate in the essay competition so that he could deepen his writing skills.
After I read about the competition, I was inspired to further sharpen my writing and creativity skills. So I developed persuasive arguments on the achievements of SADC as well as indelible points on whether SADC has achieved the vision of its founder,” he said.
He said: “I dwelt much on four pillars which SADC strongly strives for. In the first section I critiqued the role of SADC in promoting peace in the region.
“I was able to give specific instances where SADC has managed to settle conflicts. Moreover, I also provided points on how best the organisation maintains peace as well as combat the formidable foes of climate change,” he said.
Kawonga’s essay also highlighted infrastructural developments by SADC for example Nacala Corridor which has improved the transportation arena between Malawi and Mozambique.
He also provided direction on how best the organisation can realise the visionary ideals set forth by its core founders.
According to Kawonga SADC has managed to achieve some of the visionary ideals set forth by its founders for instance the organisation managed to solve the 2008 political turmoil in Zimbabwe and the construction of Northern and Southern corridors which has helped business personnel among member states to trade.
Expressing his excitement with ProjectM, Kawonga said he was to have won, saying this will further his creative skills.
“Am so excited considering the fact that this achievement will be remembered for ages. This has further motivated me to explore more on how best I can develop further my writing and creative skills”, he excitedly said.
He has since encouraged fellow youths to have a deep understanding knowledge when taking part in such competitions.
Having emerged as the winner, Kawonga shall receive the prize of USD2000 which is approximately K3.5 million.
Last year, another student from UNIMA won the essay competition in the 43rd SADC tertiary essay competition.
