Six learners from New Horizon High School in Harrismith punched above their weight when they came in 4th at the Student for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) World Championships in Moscow, Russia yesterday. This group represented the Free State and was competing with other entrepreneurial learners from 55 countries from all over the world.
The Free State team was just number four after Ireland, USA and Nigeria at a gala dinner held in Moscow last night. For their trouble, they received medals and a trophy.
This exciting youth empowerment entrepreneurship programme is the initiative of SAGE, a non-profit organisation which aims to enhance entrepreneurship skills among high school learners. Free State MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Small Business Development, Mosebenzi Zwane, supported the New Horizon High School as part of the department’s SMME Incubation and Entrepreneur Development. Innovation and creativity, says MEC Zwane, drives entrepreneurial success, hence his support to this initiative.
Speaking from Russia after the announcement, Retshedisitswe Losabe, said this is the opportunity of a life time. “We were competing among the best in the world and this has given us confidence that we can compete at the world stage. This programme will go a long way in fighting crime and contributing to job creation in our country.”
Losaba explained that what she had noticed about other countries that were participating at the competition is that they were represented by more than two schools compared to South Africa. She emphasised, “I would like to encourage other schools in our country to enter the competition next year as this will add to our advantage of winning.” She thanked MEC Zwane on behalf of the team for supporting and believing in them.
This team has made the Free State proud by putting it on the international map. They will be flying down into the country tonight and will touch down tomorrow.
For media enquiries please contact:
Kgotso Tau
Cell: 082 833 9595
E-mail: tauk@detea.fs.gov.za
