GEORGE NEWS - A learner of Thembalethu High School, Anesipho Phiko, has won the Western Cape Nedbank Essay Writing Competition. Phiko was announced as the overall winner of the annual competition jointly hosted by Nedbank, Provincial Treasury and Western Cape Education at the V&A Waterfront over the weekend.
The competition is open to all Grade 11 learners who are studying economics, mathematics and accounting in the Western Cape, and since its launch in 2008 has provided over 140 bursaries worth just over R9-million.
Anesipho's teacher, Tyeke-Nkonqa Nomonde, has only wonderful things to say about her. She says Anesipho is a humble, dedicated, hard worker who's is always on time and hands in her work on time too.
"She is one of the strongest learners in our school. She knows what she wants and works towards achieving her goals." The acting principal, Mbuyiseni Edward Magxaka, says he couldn't be more happy as he taught her Natural Science in a previous grade.
"I am proud, so very very proud of her. She has ambition in life and knows what she wants." He says he is on cloud nine that their learners can still strive for excellence regardless of where they come from.
Anesipho says this bursary is an incentive for her to do more and be better. "I am so happy and relieved. It feels like a huge financial burden is of my shoulders, and the stress of worrying about that has been lifted."
Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities David Maynier congratulated all the finalists. "Your new ideas, new ways of thinking and fresh energy are exactly what we need to solve the challenges we face in the Western Cape."
Maynier said the aim of the competition is to encourage and reward excellence in the Western Cape, and to develop future leaders in the fields of economics, mathematics and accounting.
"More importantly, it is about creating opportunities for our young people, and addressing the scarcity of skills in these sectors, and so of the 25 finalists, the top 15 each receives a study bursary to pursue a three-year degree or diploma."
The winner also receives a cash prize of R10 000, while the second place winner receives R8 000 and the third place winner R6 500. The rest of the bursary winners each receives R2 500.
Other local finalists were Ané Snyman of Outeniqua High School, Nompumelelo Soga of Imizamo Yethu Secondary School and Masande Maneli of Thembalethu Secondary School.
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