The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Philosophy recently hosted an Undergraduate Colloquium and an essay competition.

Any student currently enrolled in a 2019 undergraduate philosophy class was eligible to submit an essay. Participants had to write a 2 000 to 3 000 words essay on any topic, and had to include a thesis statement and at least one sentence describing the essay’s purpose.

In the end, 10 participants from across the NWU had to sweat it out against each other.

The top three essay winners were announced at the colloquium that took place on 10 October 2019, when they also had the opportunity to present their essays.

The first prize of R1 500 was awarded to Motswenyane Keaobaka from the campus in Mahikeng who wrote an essay on “The impact of modernisation theory over the demise of Nkrumahism”.

Rebaone Molehe, also from the campus in Mahikeng, walked away with the second prize of R 1 000 with an essay on “Womanism and the Black Female”.

Jan-Meyer Verhoef from the campus in Potchefstroom was awarded the third prize of R 500 for his essay "Themes in Music and Chess".

The judges also decided to make three honourable mentions for excellent essays,” says Dr Phemelo Marumo from the School of Philosophy.

These essays were by Ndumiso Goeieman, "Teleological Centres of Life" (Potchefstroom), Mokotedi Oratile, "Hedonism" (Mahikeng), and Melton Koper, "Eco-Socialism" (Mahikeng).

Prof Mpho Chaka, deputy dean of the Faculty of Humanities, says the faculty is very proud on the good job that the department is doing.

“As the Faculty of Humanities we celebrate excellence, and I am impressed with the excellent work the school is doing. I would like to encourage more students and staff members in the faculty to take part in scholarly work such as this essay writing competition.”

Prof Mpho Chaka hands a certificate to first prize winner Motswenyane Keaobaka. With them are Amantle Mothelesi from the School of Philosophy.