1. The Western Cape Education Department has once again been invited to participate in the 2009 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secondary Schools Essay Competition, the 11th of its kind. The Member States which have been requested to submit entries are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
2. Interested schools, educators and learners are referred to the information contained in this minute and particular note needs to be taken of the due dates and guidelines included. The best essays from WCED schools should reach the respective curriculum adviser in each district by 27 March 2009. The 3 best essays per district which will then be submitted to WCED Head Office by 3 April 2009 and ultimately to the Director-General (national Department of Education) by 30 April 2009.
3. The topic is the following: How should SADC governments, businesses and civil society organizations work together to ensure that the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa contribute to the socio-economic development of the people in the SADC Region?
4. A panel of markers will be assembled at the national Department of Education to select the three national winners. These three essays will be submitted to the SADC Secretariat by 31 May 2009 for the regional leg of the competition.
5. The SADC Secretariat has allocated the sum of US $1000 as prize money for the winners of the competition in each Member State. The amounts allocated are as follows:
  • US $ 500 for the first prize
  • US $ 300 for the second prize
  • US $ 200 for the third prize
6. The three winners from each of the SADC Member States will then compete at the regional level. A panel of judges will be assembled at the SADC headquarters to select the regional winners. Prizes for the regional winners will be as follows:
  • US $ 1500 for the first prize
  • US $ 1000 for the second prize
  • US $ 750 for the third prize
7. In addition, the three regional winners will travel to a host city (to be announced) in South Africa in August/September 2009 to receive their prizes during the official opening ceremony of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. The winner of the first prize may be required to read excerpts from the essay at the opening ceremony. A Special Commendation Certificate, plus a SADC Souvenir, will be sent through the National Contact Person to students who finish in the top ten in the regional competition. This year, the South African national winners, as winners of the Summit's host country, will receive their prizes alongside the regional winners.
8. The essay should not be more than 2000 words long and not less than 1000 words, and should be written in English. Where learners have access to computers, it is advised that they type their entries and submit both soft and hard copies. All essays should be clearly marked with the name of the student, school and country. They may sign and initial the hard copies to make sure that they have not been altered.
9. Students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines while writing their essays:
9.1 SADC History and Objectives: Students should show an awareness of the genesis and purpose for the SADC's formation, its current membership, its aims and objectives, and the socio-economic dimension of its regional integration agenda. (15 marks)
9.2 Students should at this stage demonstrate their understanding of the importance of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the socio-economic development of the people of the SADC Region. (15 marks)
9.3 How the various sectors should work together to ensure that these events contribute to the well-being of the people of the region: Students are expected to discuss how the SADC governments, businesses and civil society should co-operate to ensure that the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa can benefit the masses of the people of the region. (30 marks)
9.4 Students should demonstrate clearly the steps that should be taken at national and regional levels by SADC governments, non-governmental agencies and other sectors, to make the two soccer events successfully beneficial to the citizens of the SADC region. (30 marks)
9.5 Students should illustrate how the above steps can be implemented to rally the full participation of the peoples of the region and their institutions to collectively ensure the success of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with regard to the alleviation of the living standards of the people of the SADC region. (20 marks)
10. The essays should be forwarded, by 3 April 2009, for final provincial selection to:
Mrs Hazel E Goliath
Senior Curriculum Planner: English
Western Cape Education Department
Room 838 
Private Bag X9114
Cape Town 8000
Tel.: 021 467 2579
Fax:  021 467 2258
Email: hkanes@pgwc.gov.za
11. It would be appreciated if this matter could receive your immediate attention. Do encourage learners to participate!


SIGNED: SM NAICKER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:03:09