By Thokozani Mazibuko
Vulamasango High School has been once again crowned champions of the 2024 Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini National Expo Competition.
This comes after the school was crowned the champions of the same competition last year, resulting in the learners of the school representing the country in Rwanda during the JA Africa competition.
The champions were crowned by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo yesterday through the Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry Melusi Masuku at the Gorge Hotel, where the competition which was held under the theme ‘Greenovation’ took place.
For their tremendous effort, the Vulamasango High School pupils, whose company is known as Agri-tech Solutions walked away with a cash prize of E10 000 and a trophy for their Electro-Culture Generator project.
This came after the pupils developed an innovative agricultural technology, the Electro-Culture Generator, which delivers low-electric currency directly to plant roots during irrigation.
They will also represent the country during the JA Africa competition to be held in Mauritius in December this year.
During the same competition, St Mary’s High School was crowned runners-up for their water recycling project. Moyeni High School, on the other hand, came third with their greenhouse project.
Ekukhanyeni High School Mahlubamahle Dlamini was crowned the best Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the competition.
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Making his remarks during the event, the minister of commerce industry and trade, who spoke through the voice of the PS in the ministry, said it was an honour for him to be at the George Hotel yesterday to celebrate the 15th Company of the Year Competition, hosted by Junior Achievement Eswatini, under the theme ‘Greenovation.’
The minister said this theme resonates deeply with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.
“May I commend Junior Achievement Eswatini for its unwavering dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit among our youth.
Your efforts in equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge to create innovative and sustainable businesses are invaluable to our nation’s progress,” he said.
Khumalo said he would like to further appreciate the Ministry of Education and Training, the school principals and teachers for embracing this programme even during the most trying economic environment.
“We are proud of you all,” Khumalo said.
He mentioned that the theme of “Greenovation” was particularly timely as the country grappled with the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity.
He said it was inspiring to see young entrepreneurs at the forefront of developing solutions that address these pressing issues while also creating economic opportunities.
“These innovative ideas and business models demonstrate a deep understanding of the market and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
You are not only building successful businesses but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for Eswatini,” Khumalo said.
Khumalo mentioned that the Government of Eswatini recognises the critical role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and job creation.
‘We are committed to supporting young entrepreneurs through various initiatives and policies aimed at creating a conducive business environment.
We appreciate Standard Bank for supporting this initiative consistently and ensuring that all winners attend Africa region competitions.
To all partners that have supported this initiative during the year, we are truly grateful for the impact that you have made,” he said.
Khumalo said the ministry does note that the JA Alumni Awards that have been done just recently have shown us that these business ideas do continue even once school has been completed.
“I encourage all young people to continue pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams with passion and determination. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Network with other entrepreneurs, seek mentorship, and leverage available resources to scale up your businesses,” he said.
Khumalo said the innovation and pride exhibited by the participating schools in this year’s competition were a testament to the transformative power of the JA programme.
He said it was truly inspiring to witness the young minds of the nation ignited with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep sense of responsibility.
The minister further mentioned that the JA programmes have proven to be invaluable in shaping well-rounded citizens.
He said by introducing students to the fundamentals of business, economics, and financial literacy, these programmes equip them with the essential skills to thrive in the 21st century.
“Pupils learn the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership, qualities that are indispensable for both personal and professional success,” he said.
Moreover, he mentioned that JA’s emphasis on social responsibility fosters a generation of young people who are conscious of their impact on society.
He said the programme encourages students to consider ethical and sustainable practices in their business ventures, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of their communities.
He added that by nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering a culture of innovation, JA was playing a pivotal role in building a prosperous and sustainable future for Eswatini.
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He said the graduates of this programme were not just business owners but they were catalysts for change, contributing to the nation’s economic development and uplifting the lives of their fellow citizens.
“Let us continue to support and invest in programmes like JA, as they are instrumental in shaping the leaders and entrepreneurs who will propel our nation to new heights.
As you compete for the Company of the Year title, remember that the true victory lies in the knowledge, skills, and experiences you gain throughout this competition. Whether you win or not, you are all winners in the eyes of this nation.
We had a good representation by Vulamasango in 2023 in Rwanda, and we look forward to the winners of today representing us in Mauritius in December 2024,” he said.