Top 5 learners from the Applied Learning Challenge L – R: Oluwadamilola Adeyemi, Panashe Memaringa, Faraaz Parker, Nasiruddin Allie and Asivile Mondile
Image Credit: Ndumiso Chauke
Young learners and students rewarded for entrepreneurial skills.
The next generation of entrepreneurs were honoured at the Allan Gray Entrepreneurial Challenge (AGEC) Gala Dinner on Friday, 11 August 2023. The event recognised innovation, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit of top performing South African learners who took part in their 2D games aimed at developing entrepreneurial aspiration within primary school, high school and TVET college learners.
This year’s event was a resounding testament to the entrepreneurial aspirations flourishing within South Africa’s youth. Over 17,500 learners from primary schools, high schools, and TVET colleges engaged across the gaming network.
“We believe that teaching entrepreneurship is essential for our youth. We aim to channel the entrepreneurial potential into real-world business ventures that can solve some of our society’s most pressing social-economic issues. We are not simply fostering aspirations. We are seeding an entrepreneurial revolution within our education system by cultivating the innovators and trailblazers of tomorrow,” explains Marcel Manikum, AGEC Project Lead.
Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the AGEC gaming network has become more than a competition; it gives the next generation of business leaders access to entrepreneurial thinking and mindset development. Through gamification, the challenge provides a unique and engaging platform for young minds to gain exposure to industry-relevant skills essential to make their mark as emerging entrepreneurs.
“Our platform transcends a gaming network. It’s a launchpad for an entrepreneurial career. It empowers learners and students by providing them with a platform to apply and showcase the skills that underpin their studies and future careers. We celebrate the extraordinary student entrepreneurs who’ve risen to the challenge, making a real, impactful changes in their communities with the skills they’ve gained,” explains Manikum.
The success of this year’s competition echoes a vital message: South Africa’s youth is ready to lead, innovate, and inspire.
Top Primary School Winners
The following primary schools received R30 000 in cash to start and support activities that teach entrepreneurship in their schools as they outperformed their peers during gameplay.
| Province | Top School | |
| 1 | Eastern Cape | St Andrews Primary School |
| 2 | Gauteng | Galway Primary School |
| 3 | KwaZulu Natal | Qurtuba Online School |
| 4 | Mpumalanga | Vukasambe Primary School |
| 5 | Western Cape | Rondebosch East Primary School |
Top performing learners from across the country were also awarded with prizes and Allan Gray Unit Trust Funds in recognition of their outstanding performance and entrepreneurial potential.
2D High School game awarded the Top 5 learners
| 1st place | KwaZulu Natal | Reddam House, Ballito | Darren Larkens | Grade 11 |
| 2nd place | Gauteng | Jeppe High School For Girls | Gina Tan | Grade 9 |
| 3rd place | Western Cape | Generation Schools – Sandown | Jo Swanepoel | Grade 12 |
| 4th place | Gauteng | Hoërskool Hugenote | Stephan Steenkamp | Grade 12 |
| 5th place | Eastern Cape | Riebeek College Girls High School | Asivile Mondile | Grade 12 |
2D Game for TVET students awards
| 1st place | North West | Kagiso Pilane | Orbit TVET College |
| 2nd place | North West | Nompumelelo Ntombela | Vuselela TVET College |
| 3rd place | Western Cape | Abduraghmaan Sasman | False Bay TVET College |
| 4th place | Gauteng | Thembelani Mhlanga | South West TVET College |
| 5th place | Mpumalanga | Vusimuzi Mavuso | Gert Sibande TVET College |
The Gala ceremony included business venture pitches from high school learners who participated in the Applied Learning Challenge. The following prizes were awarded on the night to kick start their businesses:
| 1st place | Oluwadamilola Adeyemi, Grade 12 learner at Khanyisa Education Centre, Limpopo. | R40 000 Prize Package (R30 000 Allan Gray Unit Trust Fund and R10 000 in Cash) |
| 2nd place | Panashe Memaringa, Grade 11 learner at Claremont High School, Western Cape | R30 000 Prize Package (R25 000 Allan Gray Unit Trust Fund and R5 000 in Cash) |
| 3rd place | Faraaz Parker, Grade 12 learner at Star College Bridgetown, Western Cape. | R30 000 Prize Package (R25 000 Allan Gray Unit Trust Fund and R5 000 in Cash) |
| 4th place | Nasiruddin Allie, Grade 11 learner at Waterstone College, Gauteng | R18 000 Prize Package (R10 000 Allan Gray Unit Trust Fund and R3 000 in Cash) |
| 5th place | Asivile Mondile, Grade 12 learner at Riebeek College for Girls, Eastern Cape. | R18 000 Prize Package (R10 000 Allan Gray Unit Trust Fund and R3 000 in Cash) |
An honouree certificate was awarded to Kgolathuto Secondary School for the Best Performing School within the Free State Province.
Top 3 SADC Winners:
Top performing learners from across the SADC region including Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana were also awarded on the night for their outstanding performance and entrepreneurial potential.
| Country | School | Top 3 Learners | |
| 1 | Namibia | Windhoek Gymnasium | Nico Van Staden, Grade 8 |
| 2 | Eswatini | Waterford Kamhlaba | Xolile Masuku, Grade 11 |
| 3 | Botswana | Maru-a-pula | Felix Vuylsteke, Grade 11 |
The organisers of the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship gaming network extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the learners and students that participated in this year’s challenge. “We would like to thank all the educators, teachers and parents who supported our efforts this year in nurturing the next generation of young entrepreneurs, we are proud to be part of this entrepreneurial revolution in our education system,” notes Manikum.
Visit www.entrepreneurshipchallenge for more information.
