| 1. |
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of South Africa's democracy, the South African High Commission in the United Kingdom, in association with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, held an essay competition. Eighteen South African high school learners who excelled in the competition and a teacher travelled to the United Kingdom and France.
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| 2. |
The High Commission wishes to repeat this educational experience in June-July 2007.
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| 3. |
Two learners (one boy and one girl) will represent each of the nine provinces on educational visits to various war cemeteries where South African soldiers who lost their lives in World Wars I and II are laid to rest.
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| 4. |
In order to qualify, learners should write - in essay form - on the subject of war graves (from either World War I or II or both conflicts) in South Africa. The writing should be based on war graves in the learner's locality, although in the absence of these they will be allowed to write about war graves in another part of the country or province. As the year 2007 will mark the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi and the resultant loss of South African lives, the essay could include this event.
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| 5. |
South Africa has at least 23 war cemeteries that fall under the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and which form part of South Africa's heritage. Learning Outcome 4 (Heritage) in the FET NCS History Subject Statement provides valuable guidance on some of the issues relating to heritage, which could inform the learners' approach to their essays.
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| 6. |
The purpose of the competition is to foster in our youth a better understanding of South Africa's role in these two conflicts, and also the participation of black South Africans, whose critical role in these conflicts has been consistently undervalued and, at times, ignored.
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| 7.1 |
Only those learners who will still have a minimum of one year in school after July 2007 may enter the competition.
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| 7.2 |
The closing date for entries is 23 April 2007.
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| 7.3 |
Essays must be in English and not longer than a thousand words.
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| 7.4 |
Although the essay must be well-researched and factually correct, bonus marks will be awarded for creative and interesting approaches to the topic.
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| 7.5 |
The essays must reflect an understanding of South Africa's role in these wars and the impact it had on all the people of the country.
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| 7.7 |
Adjudication of the entries will be by the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Education, assisted by the South African War Graves Commission.
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| 7.8 |
Travel expenses from and to South Africa, and in Europe, will be funded by the High Commission in the United Kingdom.
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| 8. |
Schools are asked to bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all teachers of History and Languages.
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SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:01:29
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