MTN crowned Solomon Mahlangu secondary school in Kwa Nobuhle, Eastern Cape as the winner of the MTN Gwijo Challenge competition and handed over a cheque worth R500 000. The incredible cash prize makes up the share of the R1 million that was split between the top three schools that participated in the MTN Gwijo Challenge competition.
In a year of doing more, MTN took the initiative to do what it takes to back the Springboks during their rugby world cup campaign and rallied the nation to do the same. MTN called on all South African schools and youth clubs to heed the call to back the Boks by bringing the Gees through the MTN Gwijo Challenge competition. Schools were encouraged to upload their original Gwijo or a rendition of an existing Gwijo on the competition platform and stand a chance to win a share of the R1 million cash prize for their school.
MTN received over 200 entries from schools across the country and saw learners come together to not only show how they were supporting the Springboks and backing them all the way to the final, but also doing what it takes to make their school proud.
Solomon Mahlangu secondary school with their rendition of “phambili nge’war” called Phambili Bokke claimed the first prize. In second place was Shawbury senior secondary school from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape with an original melody “Mabokoboko Mayibuye”, they received R300 000, while Isibonelo high school from KwaMashu township in KwaZulu-Natal walked away with R200 000 in the third position with “Isibonelo Sama Boks” rendition.
Brand and Marketing, General Manager at MTN SA, Nomsa Chabeli congratulated the schools and applauded the leaners who took time to participate in the competition – “it has been such a pleasure visiting the top three schools and seeing the joy of the learners performing their Igwijo. From the words used to the energy given, they showed they were truly standing firm behind the Boks and wanted them to make history like many of us”.
“To the school management, thank you for allowing and giving the leaners the resources required to take part in the competition. This is a true testament of what can be achieved when the necessary support is given”, said Chabeli.
Solomon Mahlangu Principal, Mr Mtengwana could not contain his excitement, “we have a culture that we have built with the learners and their families of working together and finding out that we managed to win first prize of this competition makes it all worth it. As a school we plan to use the funds to improve certain areas within the school such as building a multipurpose hall, and a smart classroom to improve the quality of teaching for our learners. We are grateful to MTN for Investing in our culture, education, community and making learners to believe in themselves”.
MTN received a warm welcome from the schools with the learners, teachers and the school governing body taking their time to celebrate the achievement.
“I never imagined my school being in the top three of this competition, and not only in the KwaZulu-Natal region but nationally. Our school has a number of basic needs that require funds to support, and this prize could not have come at the right time” said the elated Isibonelo high school principal, Mr Ntuli.
Shawbury senior secondary school principal, Ms Nontobeko Mabumengwana had this to say about her school and the boys, “we are so excited and overwhelmed to find out that our school came second in the MTN Gwijo competition. We are proud of the boys for putting Shawbury on a platform for all to witness. Together with the school governing body, the parents, and learners, we are going to sit and identify areas of needs where the funds can be directed to”.
There is no doubt that 2023 will remain in the minds and hearts of many South Africans and MTN thanks all the schools that participated in the competition to back the Boks.
MTN Gwijo Challenge rewards schools for backing the Springboks
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