The Newcastle Sakekamer recently invited local schools to participate in an Entrepreneurs Competition (SEC), with generous sponsorship received from the business sector.
Read: Newcastle Sakekamer keeps the finger on the pulse
The first prize of R10 000 was won by St Dominic’s Academy Grade 11 pupil, Harish Singh, with an additional R10 000 also going to the school.
Deah Oriee, a Grade 10 pupil of the school, won R5 000 for her third place, while Sibongakonke Mbhele won R1 000 for finishing in the top 10.
The guest speaker at the gala evening was Mlungisi Mkhize, a former pupil of Newcastle High School who has become a prominent businessman in town.
His brief but powerful message on entrepreneurship was food for thought for all present, especially the pupils.
Also read: Winners of entrepreneurial competition announced
Deah’s thoughts on her recent successes follow below:
“Winning third place in the SEC never occurred to me – I was flabbergasted when my name boomed through the speakers. It was a feeling of both happiness and shock, as I had never expected to be in the top three.”
“It was a long, gruelling seven months we had to spend waiting for the results of the top 10 to be announced, so to hear about being there excited me.”
“It was a great experience to be offered to compete in the competition, as well as winning; it gives you a sense of an optimistic attitude in life. The only thing which keeps us afloat while competing is perseverance, determination and being happy with what you do.”
