The South Cape Youth of Excellence Awards took place on Wednesday 27 November at the Protea Hotel King George and recognised young people, between 16 and 35 years, involved in community enrichment projects.
"This is the only youth project of its kind in the Southern Cape," said Bronwyn Meyer, founder and coordinator of the youth awards.
"The competition provides a platform for this purpose, whilst enabling beneficiaries to realise their entrepreneurial dream."
Sivuyile Adams (social development) was the overall winner, with Fumanekile Makuyekwe (education) the first runner-up and Luretha Cronje (arts and culture) the second runner-up.
Adams has been involved with the development of children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds for a number of years, focusing mainly on life skills education and awareness raising regarding social challenges. In addition he manages cultural dance groups and also became involved with nature conservation programmes for youth in conjunction with CapeNature. He is the founder of Phumelela Education and Awareness Foundation.
Makuyekwe is a NMMU Bcom Economics graduate who initiated the mentoring programme for Grade 12 pupils a few years ago. He tutors pupils from Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu on weekends and assists pupils with career counselling, applications for further studies, internships, job shadowing, CV compilation and preparations for interviews.
Cronje graduated from film school in Cape Town and produced the short film Destiny upon her return to George and recently completed the horror film Outcast, using the skills and talents of local youth on set. Her goal is to train and develop youth in all aspects of the film industry.
The six finalists running projects in the George and Mossel Bay municipal areas received vouchers from Tekkie Town, Mr Price Sport and Incredible Connection. Prize money of R20 000 in total, from a private sponsor who prefers to remain anonymous, will be awarded to the top three winners to upgrade and expand their community projects.
Protea Hotel King George sponsored the event and well known local craftsman, George van Niekerk sponsored the handcrafted trophies of the three winners.
According to Meyer, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas will be included in next year's competition, which will include a sixth category, namely Youth in Business (job creation).
At the South Cape Youth of Excellence Awards are, from left: Bronwyn Meyer (founder of the Youth Awards), Sivuyile Adams (2013 winner), Willem Topp (Newdawn Development Forum), William Hart (Protea Hotel King George), Jonathan Fortuin (Newdawn Development Forum), Fumanekile Makuyekwe (first runner-up), George van Niekerk (trophy sponsor), Luretha Cronje (second runner-up) and Enrico Williams (Newdawn Development Forum).
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