Development, Tasneem Essop treats Bellville South learners who returned
victorious from an entrepreneurial competition in Shangai
1 September 2006
Bellville South learners who returned victorious from an entrepreneurial
competition in Shangai, China were treated to a tea by Provincial Minister of
Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Tasneem Essop today (Friday).
Not only did they become fifth overall, but they also took top honours, beating
youth from 50 countries, for their environmental and community outreach
programmes.
The team, Elton Emtoch, Roseleen Mottie, Levieke Petersen, Daniel Ntsiyane,
Megan Christians and Ashleigh Booysen won the national leg of the Students for
the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition. Using recycled
materials, they make and sell goods like jewellery boxes, pillow cases,
placemats, candleholders, and lamps.
They also play a pivotal role in their community by caring and entertaining
the aged, including washing their hair, caring for and spending time with
HIV-positive children and distributing food.
"Great things are happening in our country every day and it is driven by
great people," Minister Essop said in her congratulations to the team,
principal and educators.
After winning the competition the school had to scramble to raise R120 000
within a matter of weeks. Most of the team's parents are unemployed. After
raising half the money, they approached the Provincial Government for
assistance.
As Provincial Minister of both Environmental Affairs and Economic
Development, Minister Essop saw the potential of the school's project.
"Entrepreneurial flair is the key to economic development, especially amongst
our young people.
"The work done by Bellville South High fits in with both my Environmental
and Economic Development portfolios, but more importantly we are promoting the
environmental economy, as we believe it is the next big economy in the
world.
"The challenges we face globally is because of the impacts of Climate Change
and because of how we have treated the earth. "The fact that you recognised the
recycling industry to drive your business shows a clear alignment with what we
as Government want to achieve. You have used your entrepreneurial skills in the
environmental economy."
When informed of the school's need, Minister Essop contacted Thabit Gool of
African Fleet Solutions (Afsol) and Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) who
immediately pledged their support and collectively they made up the R50 000
shortfall.
Mr Gool congratulated the children and commended the school and principal on
their drive and foresight. "It is an honour to be associated with Bellville
South High," he said. Beverly Wilson of MTN said MTN was proud to support
development of entrepreneurship amongst the youth as they will play a vital
role in the future economic growth of the country.
Principal Vincent Vester thanked Minister Essop, Mr Gool and MTN for coming
through for the school. Bellville South High is located in one of the poorest
parts of the City of Cape Town. Mr Vester believes in finding solutions to
challenges and not seeing them as problems. He encourages his learners to get
involved with extra-mural activities.
Issued by: Department of Environment, Planning and Economic Development,
Western Cape Provincial Government
1 September 2006
