Komani learner makes his mark in international writing competition.

KOMANI – An 18-year-old Grade 12 learner from Queen’s College Boys’ High School has taken an exciting step towards his dream of becoming a published author after participating in the prestigious 2026 Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition.

Unam Siyo received a Certificate of Participation from the Royal Commonwealth Society after entering the international competition, which, according to Siyo, attracted a record 53,840 entries from 56 Commonwealth countries.

The experience marks an important milestone in Siyo’s writing journey, providing him with international exposure and further motivation to develop his talent for storytelling.

The aspiring author is currently working on two books, Finding His Place and Khangela Pha, an isiXhosa short fiction book, which he hopes to publish in 2027.

Adding to his growing ambitions, Siyo revealed that an individual who served as a judge in the competition recently contacted him and offered to mentor him as he develops his writing skills.

He also expressed gratitude to Twizza, Dream Furniture and Appliances, and Dr Phiwe Jafta for their support and encouragement during the early stages of his writing journey.

Despite his growing literary ambitions, Siyo remains committed to completing his matric year.

He hopes his journey will inspire other young people in Komani to believe in their abilities, embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams while prioritising their education.