Top Four in the Country: Potch Girls' High Speakers Shine in SALA Final
Potch Girls' High has another reason to celebrate its culture of public speaking. The school announced that three of its learners reached the top four nationally in the English Home Language divisions of the SALA Online Public Speaking Competition, with one of them finishing on the podium in third place.
Three grades, three national placings
The results span three different grades, from a Grade 9 learner competing in her first years of high school to a matric who added a national placing to her final year. That spread suggests a strong pipeline of speakers across the school rather than a single standout performer.
- Thandeka Tofile: 3rd place, Grade 11 English Home Language
- Atlegang Galeboe: 4th place, Grade 9 English Home Language
- Laurette Strauss: 4th place, Grade 12 English Home Language
Competing on a national stage from home
The SALA competition is run online, which means learners compete against speakers from schools across South Africa without leaving Potchefstroom. Reaching the final round and then placing in the top four of a national field takes preparation, confidence and a well-crafted speech.
The school did not share the topics of the speeches or details of the earlier rounds, but its message to the three learners was clear. "We are incredibly proud of these girls and their exceptional achievements!" the school wrote.
Part of a busy year for the school
The public speaking results follow a string of recent achievements at Potch Girls' High, which has celebrated academic top achievers, new leaders for 2027 and provincial sports call-ups over the past few weeks.
What this means for you
For parents of younger learners, the results show that public speaking at Potch Girls' High is open to girls across the grades, and that online competitions can give them national exposure. Learners who want to try it should ask their English teachers about next year's competitions.
Friends and families can congratulate Thandeka, Atlegang and Laurette on the school's Facebook page.
Source: The High School for Girls Potchefstroom (Facebook), https://www.facebook.com/potchgirlshigh/posts/pfbid023oicide12duifqKdVUSiiSc3U87yrokyiUVtGHQBHQxPeW5MmjKkPicwZwkXBYBjl
Photo: The High School for Girls Potchefstroom Facebook page