Speech Contest Winners
National High School Top 3
Message from the Junior Winner
Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
We hope this message finds you well.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 1500-Year Legacy Project for the opportunity extended to our daughter, Fatima Zahra Keeka, to participate in the Speech Contest Finals held on Saturday, 11 October 2025, in Cape Town. Fatima Zahra was part of the junior group and was honoured to be announced as the National winner in the Junior section of the competition.
It has been a privilege for her to be part of such a meaningful and inspiring initiative. Over the past few months, she has greatly benefited from her engagement with your team, from the initial online submission of her speech to the video presentation and finally the in-person finals.
We would especially like to sincerely thank Brother Ashiek Manie and Sister Fatima Ebrahim for their consistent guidance, patience, and warmth throughout this journey. Their professionalism, kindness, and encouragement made the entire experience smooth, enjoyable, and truly memorable for participants and their families.
Unfortunately, as you are aware, we had a flight booked back to Johannesburg shortly after the event concluded. As a result, we were unable to personally thank each member of the organising committee and the judges before our departure. This was particularly regrettable given the excitement and honour of Fatima Zahra’s win. Please convey our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone involved for their efforts and the hospitality shown to us and all families during the event.
May Allah reward each of you abundantly for your dedication and for your continued efforts in honouring the legacy of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
JazakAllah Khair once again for this excellent opportunity.
Legacy 1500 Speech Contest
National High School Speech Contest
Win Big While Making Your Voice Heard
1500 Legacy Speech Contest - Open to ALL High School Students
It is our privilege to introduce you to one of the flagship intellectual initiatives of the 1500 Years of the Prophetic Legacy Commemoration — the National High School Speech Contest.
In 2025, we mark 1500 lunar years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This is more than a historical milestone; it is an invitation for critical reflection on his enduring legacy. The speech contest forms part of a broader national programme that includes exhibitions, conferences, youth events, and public scholarship — all designed to reconnect us with the moral, civilisational, and transformative message of the Prophet ﷺ.
Open to all high school students in South Africa regardless of faith, gender, or creed. The challenge calls on participants to engage one of five powerful speech topics. These topics address urgent contemporary issues all through a Prophetic lens. Each topic invites thoughtful, ethical, and original speeches that reflect the Prophet’s mission as a mercy to all of creation.
Speech length must be 5 minutes (400 words) and will be judged on relevance, originality, coherence argumentation, language, and ethical depth. Prizes include substantial cash awards.
Let us work together to ensure this moment becomes a national awakening of critical Muslim thought, inspired by 1500 years of Prophetic light.
Speak Like a Pro
Watch These Videos!
@seewithmaryam What Non-Muslim Scholars and Statesmen Said About Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
♬ original sound - Maryam
@tokshop_islam World Championship of Public Speaking 🗣️✨
Prizes
1st Prize
R10 000
R7000 to winner, R3000 to school
2nd Prize
R5 000
R3000 to winner, R2000 to school
3rd Prize
R3 000
R2000 to winner, R1000 to school
Topics
The competition calls on participants to engage one of five powerful speech topics.
These topics address urgent contemporary issues and civilisational contributions of Islam.
All through a Prophetic lens. Each topic invites thoughtful, ethical, and original speech that reflects the Prophet’s ﷺ mission as a mercy to all creation.
Topic 1
Why the world needs a leader like Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Topic 2
The Prophet ﷺ in a time of genocide
Topic 3
The Prophet ﷺ in a social media age
Topic 4
The Prophet ﷺ as a model of excellence
Topic 5
Living the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ
Requirements
Eligibility:
- Open to all high school students at a South African school.
- No restriction on gender, faith or creed.
Speech Requirements:
- Length: 5 – 7 minutes
- Language: English (Arabic terms may be used with brief explanations if needed)
- Originality: Content must be original and free of plagiarism.
- Format: Submit a typed, double-spaced transcript in Arial 12pt, PDF format.
- Theme: Speech must address the general theme “1500 Years of the Prophetic Legacy” and a chosen sub-topic.
Submission & Deadline:
- Deadline: 15th August 2025 – Final submission date (closing date)
- Entry Link: https://bit.ly/1500speech
Enquiries:
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject line: Legacy 1500 Speech – Full Name – Topic Title
General Notes:
Winners will be invited to personally to present their speech at a finale on 11 October 2025 at ALEXANDER SINTON HIGH SCHOOL at 14:30. The judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the results.
Speech Contest Criteria
The Speech Contest will follow the format of the Toastmasters rule format in terms of procedure. Below is the rubric for the delivery of the speech.
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Content Accuracy & Depth | Demonstrates in-depth understanding of Prophet Muhammad’s life; includes key events, teachings, and historical context with accuracy and insight as it pertains to the topic chosen. | Covers most key events and teachings accurately; demonstrates good understanding as it pertains to the topic chosen. | Covers basic facts but lacks depth or some inaccuracies are present. | Limited or inaccurate information; misses key aspects of the Prophet’s life as it pertains to the topic chosen. |
| 2. Organization & Structure | Clear and logical structure (introduction, body, conclusion); transitions are smooth; ideas build naturally. | Mostly well-organized with minor issues in flow; transitions are generally effective. | Somewhat organized; ideas may be disjointed or transitions unclear. | Lacks clear structure; ideas appear scattered or difficult to follow. |
| 3. Engagement & Expression | Uses tone, pacing, eye contact, and expression effectively to engage audience; highly confident and passionate. | Generally engaging and expressive; some minor lapses in tone or delivery. | Some attempt to engage, but delivery is flat or lacks confidence. | Monotone or hesitant delivery; little to no engagement with audience. |
| 4. Language & Clarity | Uses clear, respectful, and articulate language throughout; vocabulary enhances understanding of the topic. | Language is generally clear and respectful; some minor issues with clarity or word choice. | Basic language used; at times unclear or inappropriate phrasing. | Unclear, inappropriate, or disrespectful language; hinders understanding. |
| 5. Relevance to Topic | Entire speech is focused on the topic chosen; highly relevant examples used. | Mostly focused on the topic; minor digressions; examples are mostly relevant. | Some off-topic moments; examples may not clearly support points. | Frequently off-topic or irrelevant to the theme of the Prophet’s life. |
| 6. Originality & Insight | Offers original perspectives or reflections; connects Prophet’s life to modern values or lessons meaningfully. | Shows some personal insight or interpretation; some connection to contemporary relevance. | Limited original thought; mostly re-states known facts without interpretation. | No original input or reflection; purely factual and dry. |
| 7. Time Management | Speech fits within the allotted time (e.g., 4–6 minutes) and uses it effectively. | Slightly over/under time but does not affect quality significantly. | Over or under time; pacing may seem rushed or drawn out. | Significantly over or under time; poor pacing affects delivery. |
| 8. Respect & Sensitivity | Demonstrates deep respect for Islamic teachings; avoids stereotypes and maintains cultural sensitivity. | Respectful throughout with only minor phrasing issues. | Generally respectful, though a few phrases may be inappropriate or insensitive. | Disrespectful, insensitive, or offensive content present. |
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the submitted speeches are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the organisers, judges, or affiliated committees of the 1500 Years of Prophetic Legacy Speech Contest. While every effort is made to encourage respectful, authentic, and responsible engagement with Islamic history and tradition, the organisers do not accept responsibility for any factual inaccuracies or interpretative positions presented by speakers.
All speeches must be the original work of the participant and free from plagiarism. Any content found to be plagiarised or primarily AI-generated may result in disqualification.
By submitting a speech, participants grant the organisers non-exclusive rights to publish, archive, or feature their speech (with proper credit) for educational and promotional purposes.
The organisers reserve the right to revise contest dates, rules, or judging criteria if necessary, and may withhold awards in any category if no suitable entries are received.