Black & White

-28-

C H A P T E R  T W E N T Y  E I G H T

I could feel the nervous energy radiating from Norman as I sat in the audience. I became more concerned when he ran out the hall. Without thinking twice, I shot up from my seat and followed him, ignoring the confused looks from my classmates and the rest of the audience. I approched Norman as he sat on the benches outside the hall. He was furiously scribbling something in his notes.

"Norman, are you okay?"

There was a mix of embarrassment and frustration etched across his face as his eyes met mine. "I'm just having a hard time with these notes."

"Let me see them, maybe I can help." I offered.

Norman sighed, "You can't help me Ayize. Everyone has tried."

"Maybe I will use a different approach. Give me your notes."
He appeared to be having an internal battle with himself. After a couple of minutes, he handed me his crumbled notes and quickly looked away. My eyes widened when I saw Norman's handwriting. His writing was large and there was inconsistent spacing between words. Some letters were reversed.

"Norman, is there something you want to tell me?"

He took a deep breath before speaking, "Reading and writing has always been difficult for me. I just..I thought I could handle it today."

A surge of understanding washed over me. I took a seat next to him. "Dyslexia doesn't define your abilities, Norman. Your abilities are one of a kind. You were able to recreate my father's jewellery box without even having to look at it. I want you to celebrate these strengths and use them to your advantage."

"But how do I do that? Where do I even begin?"

"We'll figure it out together. Your journey is shared by a supportive community."

"I'm assuming you are the supportive community." He chuckled, nudging my shoulder.

"Of course." I said, nudging him back. Every person with dyslexia is unique. It's essential for Norman and I to communicate openly and work together to find effective approaches tailored to his strengths and challenges. Unlike everyone else, I was going to be patient with him. Once Norman was ready, we returned to the hall. The judges didn't allow him to continue with his speech. We sat patiently as other schools continued with their motions.

The hall buzzed with quiet conversations once all the schools were done debating for today. On stage, the programme director stood with a stack of envelopes containing the verdict.

"Alright everyone, after careful consideration, the judges have made their final decision." She announced. I leaned in closer to my classmates and teachers so I can translate for them since she decided to speak in Afrikaans today.

"Only 8 schools have made it through to the next round of the annual Gauteng Schools Provincial Debate Tournament which will be held in this very same hall on the 26th of April. I want to commend each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. This was a tough competition and all of you have shown incredible debating skills and teamwork."

The room grew silent as we waited for her to announce the schools, the atmosphere in the hall was thick with tension. I closed my eyes and silently said a short prayer. I could hear the rhythmic tapping of Khumo's anxious foot against the floor.

"And the first team to advance to the next round is Northcliff Hoerskool!" The audience clapped and waited for the programme director to announce the next school.

"Followed by Suid-Wes Hoerskool, Hertzog Hoerkool, Parktown Akademie, Afrikaner Broederband Hoerskool, John Vorster Hoerskool, Hendrik Verwoerd Hoerskool and Amandlaethu High School."

A surge of joy swept through my classmates, breaking the tension. Cheers and claps erupted as we embraced each other. Khumo's face lit up with pure joy as he exchanged high fives with the rest of our classmates. Mrs Dlamini and Mr Mthethwa had proud smiles on their faces and they commended us for our achievement.

"I told you all not to underestimate yourselves. Your hard work has paid off and you have earned your spot in the next round. Well done." Mrs Dlamini said. The hall continued to resonate with cheers and congratulations, the once-tense air was replaced by an infectious sense of accomplishment and relief.

But this was only the begininng.