The Radikale Redenaar is the brainchild of Chantelle de Wet, a published author and well-known name in the public speaking realm. As a teacher she saw the potential of so many students wanting to participate in orators’ competitions, but there was a lack of opportunity in schools. Since she knew how much effort went into every speech, to only be used once, she decided to start a speaking festival, giving more learners the opportunity to speak in front of an audience.
The Radikale Redenaarsfees (RRF) started for the first time in 2007 in Pretoria. In 2008 4 provinces participated and in 2009 the RRF held their first National competition. Currently all 9 Provinces participate in this competition. New categories were added, and the Radikale Leesfees aimed at improving reading in schools. In 2016 Chantelle handed over the reign to Linda Henning and so the Radikale Redenaar is still going from strength to strength.
The Radikale Redenaar’s vision is to create ample opportunity for as many learners as possible to speak in front of an audience. Adjudicators should be positive throughout the competition and their critique should help improve orators’ ability. The Radikale Redenaar aims to lessen the stress of public speaking and enhance the confidence of speakers.
Even though the Radikale Redenaarsfees is a competition, the focus should remain on the development of public speaking as a life skill. Throughout the competition cycle,the Radikale Redenaar will aim to develop new adjudicators and encourage teachers to become part of the public speaking community as an extramural activity. The Radikale
Redenaar will, as far as possible, support teachers in schools by handling the administration of the competition. The Radikale Redenaar’s Vision will always be to reach the maximum potential of learners while encouraging participation in orator’s eventsthroughout South Africa.