31 August 2006
On Friday, 1 September provincial Minister of Environment, Planning and
Economic Development, Tasneem Essop will treat six Bellville South High
learners to tea to congratulate them on their achievements in China.
The six learners represented South Africa in an international youth
entrepreneurial competition. They took top honours in both the best
Environmental project and the best community outreach programme. They came out
fifth position overall.
Minister Essop made the trip a reality when she contacted Thabit Gool of
African Fleet Solutions (Afsol) and Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) who
immediately pledged their support and collectively made up the R50 000
shortfall. The learners will share their experiences of the trip with Minister
Essop, Mr Gool and Beverley.
Date: Friday, 1 September 2006
Time: 10h00
Venue: 12th Floor, Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town
For catering purposes: Please RSVP either via e-mail or phone. Please note
the previous release is added for your information and background.
Previous release for your information:
Six learners from Bellville South High jetted off to China on Tuesday, 1
August 2006, to represent South African 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 MTN
immediately pledged their support and collectively they made up the R50 000
shortfall.
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.
Enquiries:
Lynnette Johns
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 483 3915
Fax: (021) 483 6081
Issued: Ministry of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Western
Cape Provincial Government
31 August 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
