1 August 2006
Six learners from Bellville South High jetted off to China on 1 August 2006,
Tuesday to represent South Africa in an International Youth Entrepreneurial
competition.
The trip was made possible after intervention by Provincial Minister of
Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Tasneem Essop. Elton Emtoch,
Roseleen Mottie, Levieke Petersen, Daniel Ntsiyane, Megan Christians and
Ashleigh Booysen entered the Students for the Advancement of Global
Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition.
SAGE South Africa is run by the University of the Western Cape's Youth
Initiative for Entrepreneurial and Leadership Development Programme. The team
made and sold pillow cases, lamps, candle holder and tissue boxes, all made
from recycled materials. They will now compete against young people from 50
countries.
After winning the competition the school needed to raise R90 000 for flights
and accommodation. Most of the team's parents are unemployed. Teacher and
mentor, Eric Arnolds approached Minister Essop for assistance. She contacted a
number of people. Thabit Gool of African Fleet Solutions (Afsol) and Mobile
Telephone Network (MTN) immediately pledged their support and collectively they
made up the R50 000 shortfalls. Minister Essop, who could not be at the airport
to see the team off, congratulated the school on winning the national leg of
the international competition. "We wish them well. They are already role models
to other young people in our objective to build a spirit of entrepreneurship
into the future.
"I want to thank Mr Gool and MTN for responding so swiftly to my appeal for
assistance to make it possible for our team to go and represent our country in
Shangai China. They have indeed done the Western Cape proud."
Before leaving Mr Arnolds thanked all the organisations who had made the
trip a possibility, but had a special word of thanks for Minister Essop, Mr
Gool and MTN who had ensured the bulk of the money. "I am thankful to everyone,
all the people and organisations who donated money, but especially to Minister
Essop, for her continued hard work and in helping to realise our trip. We are
blessed to have a leader of such stature. Our mission is to make the Western
Cape and South Africa proud, Mr Arnolds said. They will return home on 8
August.
Enquires:
Lynnette Johns
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 483 3915
Fax: (021) 483 6081
Issued by: Department of Environment, Planning and Economic Development,
Western Cape Provincial Government
1 August 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
