Gugu Gumede, a Grade 12 learner from Mncube High School in Soweto has won the annual Schools Tourism Writing competition.

Gugu wins a cash prize of R2000,00 that, according to the terms and conditions of the competition, must go toward her further studies.  A slightly stunned Gugu said she was delighted to have won this competition, and that she has written on a topic that was close to her heart.  She hopes to use her prize money toward tuition fees at the University of Johannesburg where she has applied to study Tourism Management in 2011.

The winning article showcased the Credo Muthwa Cultural Village in Soweto in an article entitled “Art at its best in the heart of Soweto”.  The article described the village that was created by artist, author, sculptor, traditional healer and mystic, Credo Muthwa in the 1970’s.  Gugu took the reader on a journey of the attraction, and appealed for it to be restored to its former glory and to be properly preserved as part of our national cultural heritage.

The annual competition, entitled The Secret Trails of My Country, is managed by the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership South Africa (GTTP SA).  The competition aims to inspire pupils studying tourism in high schools to share their local knowledge by writing about little-known tourism gems in their local areas. 

Lisa Gordon-Davis, National Director of the programme, accompanied educational officials to personally visit the subject of the article.  Gordon-Davis said “we are delighted that Gugu has won this competition, and hope that her article will raise awareness for the restoration and preservation of Credo Mutwa, which is a fascinating hidden jewel of Soweto”. 

Gugu received her cheque in a small ceremony at her school to the cheers of her classmates.  Furthermore, her teacher, Mr Velaphi (Mike) Ngwenya received a reward in the form of a subscription to a travel magazine.  Cheryl Weston of the Gauteng Department of Education also attended the ceremony and expressed her delight that a Gauteng pupil had won the competition.

All other entrants, please note that your certificate is on its way to you.  Thank you very much for entering the 2010 Travel Writing Competition.  We are very proud of you all !!!