Windhoek
The 2015 Bank Windhoek BizzKids Competition award went to 15-year-old Danie van der Merwe, trading as ‘Nou Gaan Ons Braai’, from Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP), who walked away with N$5 000 in prize money for himself and N$5 000 for his school.
Danie, despite his young age, impressed the judges with his business acumen and sales techniques. He sold homemade braai packs, consisting of 2 kg charcoal, a box of matches and one packet of Danie’s favourite mixed spices. His braai pack is perfect if you want to braai in just 15 minutes.
The ten Bank Windhoek BizzKids finalists got an opportunity to showcase their business ideas by selling their products at the Bank Windhoek BizzKids Market held over the weekend of October 23 and 24 in Maerua Mall, Windhoek.
All the BizzKids stalls were of a very high quality and standard, presenting the judges with an extremely tough task to choose the top three winners.
The runner-up award, with prize money of N$3 000, went to the team of ‘Fourth Harmony’, Elizabeth Itumba (14), Adelheid Slinger (13), Tatiana Cecilio (13) and Vivalda Cecilio (14) from Augeikhas Primary School, Windhoek.
These BizzKids made delicious cupcakes, corn dogs, toffee apples and fudge. Their stall was quite popular, as they also had their own mascot, Winnie the Pooh, who entertained the customers and who you could take photos with.
Third place with prize money of N$2 000 went to the team of ‘The Beach Mocho-Tini’s’, Adri van der Merwe (13), Karin Schutz (14), Mariet Bruwer (13) and Mayvonne Swart (13) from Pro-Ed Academy, Swakopmund.These four entrepreneurs sold colourful ‘mocktails’, a delicious refreshment with bright colours and exciting ornaments in the glass. Their stall was also very attractive, giving customers a summer beach feeling.
“Choosing the top three winners was not an easy task, as all the BizzKids put in a lot of effort to provide the best quality products and services to their customers. However, the judges were very impressed by the innovative braai pack idea of Danie van der Merwe, who not only made and sold something very different from the rest of the finalists, but also had a fantastic sales pitch, which attracted many customers that bought his product.
The Bank Windhoek BizzKids competition aims to promote entrepreneurship among the youth. Judging by the business ideas and passions displayed by the finalists, Namibia has many future entrepreneurs in the making,” said Mbo Luvindao, one of the judges and branch manager of ESME branch at Bank Windhoek.