South African Airways unveils 4th edition of essay contest

SOUTH African Airways (SAA) has announced the commencement of the fourth edition of the South African Airways Essay Competition (SAAEC 2026) for secondary schools in Nigeria.

Country Manager of the airline, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, said the writing contest was mooted in a bid to entrench the values of patriotism, love for humanity, selflessness, tolerance and honesty in the lives of young Nigerians as well as to expose them to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

‎“Our goal is to positively touch the lives of the Nigerian youth while also making an impact on their academic and socio-political awareness, in the spirit of love for nationhood and stimulating their desire to make a difference. Hence the theme chosen for this year’s essay is: ‘The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Among Young People’,” Mrs. Leke-Bamtefa noted.

SAA is not just an airline, but an African airline that cherishes the continent’s rich culture as well as drives the values of the African Child. To this end, SAA chose to commence the contest on October 12, 2026 in commemoration of World Mental Health day 2026 celebrated on October 10.‎

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Entries for SAAEC 2026 are open from Monday October 12, 2026 to Friday November 13, 2026. Successful participants will be invited to an Award Presentation Reception where the winners will be announced and presented with cash gifts and other prizes.

SAAEC 2026 is a CSR Project of SAA organised by the airline in partnership with Travel & Business News who serve as consultants.