MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Department of Water and Sanitation Western Cape Provincial Head, Mrs Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa has congratulated the two provincial learners who came third in the national South African You Water Prize competition that was held in Boksburg, Johannesburg recently.

Grade eleven learners Juelles Eloss and Tanith Smith from Point High School in Mossel Bay under the mentorship of their teacher, Ms Charmaine Spies won the provincial South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition that was held in Bellville, Cape Town.

All winners in the provinces went on to compete in the national arm in which this duo came third behind Northern Cape and Gauteng.

During her conversation with the winners upon their arrival back to the Western Cape, Mrs Bila-Mupariwa encouraged them to carry on with their project as it was viable and had a big potential.

“This was a competition and there had to be one winner but your project will still win irrespective of the competition so I would like to encourage you to continue with it, as the Department we will support you wherever we can.

“Your project has potential to bring employment down a bit, contribute to economic growth while saving water, that is a winning combination,” said Mrs Bila-Mupariwa.

The pair won bronze in the awareness category where they raised awareness about the negative impact of the black wattle in the water system.

In their project they undertook to remove the tree wherever it is found but instead of throwing it away, they will use it to create employment.

“Government or private sector can use unskilled labour to cut down this invasive tree and remove its bark then sell it per kilogram to a manufacturing company who then could process the material to make products,” said Ellos.

Bila-Mupariwa also encouraged more schools to take part in the competition. She also stressed the need to start preparations today.

The winner of the national competition will represent the country at an international stage in Stockholm, Sweden where they will compete with their counter-parts from various countries across the globe.

However, the pair from Point High does not go home empty-handed as they are guaranteed a bursary from the Department to study in any field of their choice when they get to tertiary.

South Africa last won in the global competition in 2007.

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