Learners from Lakeside High School in Palm Ridge (Sebokeng) enjoyed lunch with the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe and other successful businesswomen from the South African Women Entrepreneurs' Network (SAWEN), at the Sandton Sun Hotel on Friday, 19 April 2013.
These learners were the first runner-ups in the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti’s) techno girls competition which took place in October last year. The luncheon was organised as part of the prizes and was aimed at encouraging the young girls to seize the opportunities and aspire to be successful business women in future.
The Techno girls Entrepreneurship Programme is part of the dti Technology for Women in Business (TWIB), is aimed at introducing young girls to study opportunities that exist and the multitudes of career opportunities in various sectors of the economy they can pursue. It is also aimed at empowering girl learners through technology and entrepreneurship and is a shared programme between provincial departments of Economic Development and Education, Seda, Cell C and the dti.
The learners who hail mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds told of how the Techno girls programme impacted their lives in a positive manner.
“Before attending the workshop, I used to think that the Science and Technology field was only for men and that a woman’s place was meant to be predominantly in the kitchen. I have however learnt that as a woman I can also be able to live my dreams,” said Tsholofelo Oliphant who is part of the team.
Deputy Minister Thabethe told the learners that being Techno girls begin with the workshops but how it ends will be determined by what they choose to do with what they have learned.
“We are celebrating your achievements and we hope that you will utilise the opportunities and the exposure you have received to make your dreams come true,” said the Deputy Minister.
Refilwe Mahoko, who was chosen as CEO of the team will get an opportunity to attend the department’s budget vote speech in Cape Town and travel to Malaysia with the Deputy Minister.
The Deputy Principal of the Lakeside High School Mr David Nkitseng encouraged the girls to work very hard to ensure that they change their lives and those of their families.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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