Durban teenager wins New Zealand’s prestigious 'Race Unity Speech Awards'
South African-born Jordyn Joy Pillay has captured the national spotlight in New Zealand by clinching the top accolade at the prestigious 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards.
Since relocating from Durban to Auckland in March 2023, the 16-year-old grade 12 student at Ormiston Senior College used her experiences as a new migrant to deliver a powerful and poignant message on race, belonging, and the indivisible strength of diversity – a message that resonated strongly with judges and audiences alike.
Originally from Phoenix, Durban, Pillay has made a remarkable impact following her family’s move to Auckland in March 2023.
She delivered her winning speech at the national finals held in Auckland.
Out of 150 entries from students across New Zealand, Jordyn’s presentation stood out for its compelling metaphor: humanity as the ocean – sometimes tranquil and welcoming, at other times forceful and drowning.
The metaphor captured the contradictions of racism and the need for an inclusive society:
“I am the ocean I cannot be read I am calm and soothing and so accepting
Come to me… I’ll bring you peace.
I see no difference.
I’m home to fins and feathers, skin and scales… home to many, I freely give.
I welcome you warmly.
Abide in me.”
In reflecting on her speech, Jordyn revealed that, “diversity must be more than a moment, diversity is everything – it means nothing if we cannot practise what we preach.”
This perspective aligns with her broader call for lasting, tangible action to enhance cultural understanding and belonging.
For her vision and delivery, Jordyn received two prestigious awards:
- Tohu Raukura ā-Motu – NZ Police National Champion’s Award
- Tohu Whetumatarau – Ministry for Ethnic Communities’ Award for Vision
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers emphasised the force of youth voices in fostering unity, while Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers, the awards’ chief judge, praised the bravery and quality of the speeches.
Looking ahead, Jordyn is launching a Race Relations Club at her school to extend the conversation beyond the stage.
Her aspirations include a career in law or international relations, with dreams of one day working at the United Nations or founding her own youth-empowerment platform.
IOL Lifestyle