Junior Achievement South Africa (JA South Africa), in partnership with Absa Group, is proud to announce Team Tenacity from Rhodesfield High School, the winners of the 10th annual Company of the Year (COY) 2024 competition, themed GreenOvation. This year’s competition brought together 18 teams of young entrepreneurs from across the country, all vying for the top spot by showcasing their innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.
The two-day event concluded with an exciting finale at Gold Reef City Hotel, where learners from Rhodesfield High School in Gauteng, who founded Tenacity, emerged victorious in first place. Team Tenacity created an innovative vertical garden that allows crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, making it ideal for limited spaces. The design combines hydroponic and aeroponic systems to deliver precise water and nutrient solutions, and it features a sensor that monitors moisture levels, automatically releasing water as needed to maintain optimal plant health. The team will represent South Africa at the regional competition in Mauritius this December.
“We are really honored to win this title, all those late afternoons and refining our idea paid off. Thanks to our parents for supporting us and our teacher who always availed herself to help us bring our idea to life,” says Phumza Kadzunge and Mulalo Ranstwane, the two learners who represented their team at the awards.
In second place went to Team Jeanius Bag who are learners from Mabande Comprehensive High in Mpumalanga Province who created a waterproof school bag, and third place was awarded to Team Voltage Masters who created the Aqua Bulb from Charora High in the North West province. The winning teams demonstrated exceptional creativity, business acumen, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
In addition to the top three prizes, six category awards were presented, recognizing excellence in areas such as innovation, sustainability, and social impact. The total value of prizes amounting to R 100 000.
“Each year, the COY competition provides a platform for young leaders to showcase their talents, collaborate, and develop solutions that can drive our economy forward,” says Nelo Spies, Executive Director at JA South Africa. “This year’s theme, GreenOvation, highlighted the critical role of innovation in addressing environmental challenges, and our participants rose to the occasion with remarkable projects.”
The event, live-streamed via Zoom, was well-received by families, friends, and supporters across the country, creating a vibrant online community cheering for their favorite teams.
The winning team will now prepare to compete against other regional winners from across the continent at the regional competition in Mauritius from 6-8 December 2024.
JA South Africa extends its heartfelt thanks to Absa for their continued support and partnership, which makes the COY competition possible, and to all the participants, mentors, and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Bernadette Bule
Marketing & Communications Manager
[email protected]
082 656 9746
