A young Kimberley learner from Tetlanyo High School has earned herself a ticket to Malaysia after capturing the heart of the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe with her confidence, intelligence, assertiveness and outstanding leadership skills.
Boitumelo Oliphant shone like a bright star at a three day techno-girl entrepreneurship workshop hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre this weekend.
Describing Oliphant as a ‘’star’’ Thabethe said she had been observing Oliphant throughout the workshop and was highly impressed with impressive qualities that she is endowed with.
“She always showed confident and focus. Her presentation skills were extraordinary. Her participation throughout the workshop and the answers she gave to questions asked throughout the workshop by various presenters and judges were amazing. She is a go-getter and a child with good manners who will go far in life. We need more young girls like her,’’ said Thabethe.
As a reward for being a young girl with focus, Thabethe surprised Oliphant by awarding her with a trip to the Global Summit of Women which will be held in Malaysia in June, attendance of the dti’s Budget Vote in Cape Town and the dti’s prestigious TWIB Awards Ceremony that will take place in North West this year.
Overcome with emotions, an evidently overwhelmed Oliphant dedicated her reward to the fellow learners with whom she worked on a business plan.
“I thank all the Tetlanyo learners without whom I could not have been noticed by Deputy Minister Thabethe. I always have faith in myself and whatever I am doing. I really thank God for this opportunity. I am going to take full advantage of it and use it as my stepping stone to achieve even greater things in life,‘’ said Oliphant.
Tetlanong High school presented a business idea on a four in one washing machine that rinses, dries and irons. The girls did not get the first price, but they were awarded for brilliant participation, good presentation skills and team work, amongst others.
According to Thabethe, the girl showed dedication and team sprit during their presentation and they participated in high numbers during the workshop. Thabethe told the other girls that they are not losers, but Oliphant was outstanding and they should strive to be like her.
Hundred learners from ten Northern Cape high schools participated in the workshop, where they presented business ideas to a panel of judges. The workshop, which is part of the dti’s Technology for Women in Business (TWIB), is aimed at introducing young girls to multitudes of career opportunities in various sectors of the economy they can pursue.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti
