However, there was more to the initiative with Maphutha Secondary School than an educational discussion and the installation. Karebo’s Senior Manager Njabulo Nxumalo began by addressing the 1670 learners at their assembly; speaking on energy efficiency in lighting and sharing his knowledge with the listeners. Nxumalo then tasked the learners with the opportunity to be involved in an essay writing competition. The essay was to be titled Innovation Ideas of Saving Energy, and the top three essay writers would receive cash prizes.

Dean Lotter and Jenny Heyes, the Philips Lighting Solutions representatives attended the prize giving in support of the winning learners and Karebo’s initiative. Njabulo Nxumalo addressed the assembly with the acknowledgement of the Philips representatives who provided an additional gift for the winners. The top three winners were placed, with second and third place awarded to twins.

“The learner’s brought fresh and innovative ideas and conveyed these creatively through their essays. It is encouraging to see the ideas that are coming from these learners as innovation through lighting and saving energy is instrumental in our future,” said Dean Lotter, general manager of Philips Lighting Solutions.

“Karebo approached its long time partners Phillips SA in an attempt to secure the energy efficient lamps. Phillips leapt to the need identified by Karebo and without hesitation and provided the lamps at a reduced cost to Karebo for the installation at Maputha High School,” says Rishti Govender director of Legal and Compliance at Karebo Systems.

The winning essay was written by Retshepile Mashaba, a Grade 11 learner, who won herself a cash prize of R1000.

Lotter said, “We are proud to be involved in an initiative focused on educating our leaders of the future about issues impacting on the environment. We salute Retshepile Mashaba for their incredible achievement and look forward to more outstanding work from this young eco-warrior.”