I Cronje on Gold Circle school art competition prizes

24 October 2006

The Schools Art Competition funded by Gold Circle has been commended as a
resounding success by top education officials in KwaZulu-Natal

Grade 8 to 12 learners from schools in every region of the province
submitted works of art using the horse as the theme. The competition was run as
a partnership between Gold Circle and the provincial Department of Education
and judged by a panel of professional artists and art educators.

The competition aimed to encourage and reward young artists by providing
them with incentives, and at the same time promoting awareness of the role of
horses in modern society.

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony at Greyville Racecourse today, MEC for
Education Ina Cronjé said the competition was a wonderful example of a
successful partnership between education and business.

Ms Cronjé acknowledged the way in which the competition recognised and
rewarded learners for their artistic talent, and the fact that winners were
given a special course on financial mentoring to help them make the best use of
their cash prizes.

In addressing the students she said: "You make me the proudest mother you
can imagine, as I feel like you are all my children, your art work is so unique
and so creative."

Continuing, Ms Cronjé said to the children that they should follow their
dreams, follow their passions and allow themselves to broaden their horizons.
In doing so they would help the nation become leaders in the world through
their creation and design.

Ms Cronjé acknowledged Gold Circle and their Corporate Responsibility
Programme and stated: "Your assistance is really something priceless. You are
investing in the future of the province and the country."

Over R150 000 was provided for prizes in the 12 education districts in
KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, the winning school received R39 000 towards their
school development programme.

Gold Circle Chief Executive Officer Mr Michel Nairac said: "This competition
aimed to identify and reward the hidden artistic talent among our youth.

"We also wanted to promote awareness of the horse - not only in the
horseracing environment, but in a way that opens up career opportunities for
those youngsters who want to consider becoming jockeys, farriers, trainers or
any of the many specialised careers that the world of horses has to offer."

"We believe that we have made a meaningful contribution to education by
ensuring that all that we have done has the support of the MEC for Education,
and the active participation of the key officials in the Education
Department."

"We are convinced that the cash prizes that the winning artists will receive
here will contribute to the cost of their education.

“We hope that some of them will now have an incentive to go on and establish
careers in the art world.”

The winners are as follows:

District 3 for R1 000

Nolwandle Ngwenya, Dundee High School, Umzinyathi
Friedle le Roux, Hillcrest High, Pinetown
Bulelani Maguga, Hluma Intermediate, Vryheid
Mandla Mhlongo, Imbuyiselo Secondary, Ilembe
Dumisani Thusi, Khula Senior Secondary School, Empangeni
Sipho Maphumulo, Kwapata Senior Secondary, Vulindlela
Michelle Huang, Newcastle High, Amajuba
Khulekani Brian, Mkhwanazi Nkodibe, Sobonjeni
Jennifer van der Westhuizen, Port Shepstone High School, Port Shepstone
Yanga Cele, Singisi Junior Secondary School, Kokstad
Kimera Appalsamy, Southlands Secondary, Umlazi
Wiseman Ngcobo, Windsor Secondary, Othukela

District 2 for R1 250

Zamokuhle Ngcobo, Duduzile J S School, Port Shepstone
Mbekezeli Mbili, Innocent Mchunu, Sabuthini Ligcine, Dulati Combined School,
Kokstad
Mandi Mtolo, MondeTshwane, Sbongile Mtolo, Wesley Flanagan, Dundee High School,
Umzinyathi
Nicole Hattingh, Durban North College, Umlazi
Megan Hambly, Ferrum High School, Amajuba
Mthokosizi Xhakaza, Hluma Intermediate, Vryheid
Siphamandla Ndlela, John Ross College, Empangeni
Philani Nkosiyezwe, Zikhali Nkodibe, Sobonjeni Clement, Isaac Phoenix,
Secondary, Pinetown
Nkosinathi Nkosi, Stanger High School Ilembe
Kwazi Goge, Weston Agricultural College, Vulindlela
Bonginkosi Mayisela, Windsor Secondary, Othukela

District 1: R1 500

Mhlengi Hlongwane, Asithuthuke Combined, Vulindlela
Mzoxolo Njani, Carl Malcomess High ,Kokstad
Qiniso Dlamini, Dassenhoek High, Pinetown
Stuart Ponton, Dundee High School, Umzinyathi
Mthokozisi Buthelezi, Eshowe High School, Empangeni
Ndumiso Zulu, King Bhekuzulu High School, Vryheid
Ntombifuthi Makhoba, Margot Fonteyn Secondary, Umlazi
Lih-Lin Huang, Newcastle High, Amajuba
Sebenzile Nkwanyana Nkodibe, S Obonjeni, Hayley van der Westhuizen, Port
Shepstone High School, Port Shepstone
Oriel Reuben, Stanger Manor Secondary, Ilembe
Vusi Mazibuko, Windsor Secondary, Othukela Cluster
Ntombifuthi Makhoba, Margot Fonteyn Secondary, Umlazi

Coastal Winners

Sebenzile Nkwanyana Nkodibe, S Obonjeni - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Stewart Ponton, Dundee High School, Umzinyathi – Midlands
Learner - R2 000
School - R12 500

Provincial

Ntombifuthi Makhoba, Margot Fonteyn Secondary, Umlazi - Coastal Winner
Learner - R2 000
School - R25 000

For photographic material contact:
Peter Lambert
Cell: 0834452532

Enquiries:
Gill Simpkins
Cell: 082 4403549

Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
24 October 2006