Glendale Secondary School shines at national competition
From left are teachers and pupils, Lauren Adonis, Johaan Arendse, Leah Van Niekerk, Aasiyah Peters, Arshad Carelse, Jordan Le grange, Sinaed Wolmarans, Raees Waterloo and Sadika Jacobs.
Image: Supplied
Glendale Secondary School continues to nurture young entrepreneurs through the Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA) programme, that have taken its pupils from the classroom to the national stage.
JASA is a non-profit organisation that provides entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work-readiness programs to young people across South Africa.
Under the leadership of principal Fowkia Smith and JASA coordinator Zaida Julius, supported by teachers Lauren Adonis and Sadika Berry, 50 pupils participated in the 2025 programme.
more than 29 intensive three-hour sessions - including those held during school holidays - pupils were taught practical business skills and tackled real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience in starting and managing a business.
Their hard work led to the creation of four pupil-run companies. Two advanced to the provincial competition on Saturday, September 27, where one company - EcoCraftz - was selected to represent both Glendale and the Western Cape at the national finals in Johannesburg, Ms Julius said.
EcoCraftz impressed with its eco-friendly colouring book made entirely from recycled materials.
On Wednesday, October 8, four pupils - Jordan Le Grange, Arshad Carelse, Sinaed Wolmarans, and Raees Waterloo - travelled to Johannesburg on an all-expenses-paid trip to present their product at the national competition.
Their innovation and social awareness earned them the Social Impact Award, celebrating their company’s positive contribution to society, Ms Julius said.
Two EcoCraftz members, Jordan and Sinaed, have been selected to attend the prestigious Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement and Development (LEAD) Camp in Ghana in March next year.
The five-day programme brings together young leaders from across Africa to inspire collaboration and personal growth.
For Sinaed, the journey was both challenging and rewarding. “My experience in Johannesburg was exciting. The competition was tough, but we pushed through,” she said.
“The workshops taught me a lot about entrepreneurship, and the highlight was being selected to attend the Delta Programme in Ghana next year.”
Teammate Jordan described the experience as life-changing.
“JASA taught me so much about business, teamwork, and leadership,” she said. “Going to Johannesburg was amazing—I met new people, shared ideas, and proudly represented my school.”