By Gosego Phutieagae

A North-West University (NWU) law student has claimed top honours at the 2025 Martin Luther King Spoken Word Competition held on 9 October at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.

Thabang Mnculwane, an LLB student currently participating in the NWU Faculty of Law Academic Exchange Programme in Amsterdam, won the contest hosted by VU’s Faculty of Law as part of the annual Martin Luther King Lecture series.

The competition invited students to perform original spoken word pieces inspired by Dr Martin Luther King Junior’s principles. This year’s theme, “Radical social justice”, challenged participants to reflect on issues of equality, human rights and transformation.

Thabang emerged as the overall winner from a pool of international contestants, becoming the first African student in 12 years to reach and win the final round. “This was a powerful and humbling experience. It served as a testament that it is possible not just for me, but for everyone who dares to dream,” he says – words reminiscent of Dr King’s famous “I have a dream” speech.

The event also featured the annual Martin Luther King Lecture delivered by international human rights lawyer Nani Jansen Reventlow. The lecture celebrates VU Amsterdam’s connection to Dr King, who obtained his doctorate in social sciences from the institution.

Thabang received a €500 cash prize for his winning performance on the meaning of radical social justice in contemporary society. “This victory was confirmation that hard work truly pays off. Winning in an environment where the judges didn’t know me or my previous achievements showed that this recognition was based purely on merit.”

His achievement underscores the enduring global relevance of Dr King’s message and the growing voice of African students in international academic and cultural arenas.

Thabang performs at the 2025 Martin Luther King Spoken Word Competition.