Diamonds in the Rough - A Dream Fulfilled
American Swiss ran a competition through Oprah magazine and instore in search of the Diamond in the Rough. The Diamond in the Rough is an individual with exceptional talent and who, with the right kind of financial backing, would be able to achieve great things. Two individuals were given R25 000 each to put towards approved training courses and institutions.
All entrants were required to write an essay explaining why they deserved to be our Diamond in the Rough.
We received many entries and were blown away by the talent available in this country.
After rigorous checking of references and academic results our two finalists were chosen. We managed to find the brightest diamonds of them all in Sebenzile Mazula and Leonnie Elliot.
Sebenzile Mazula entered the competition through the American Swiss Golden Acre store in Cape Town. He is a 22 year old man and is currently doing his 2nd year Diploma in Financial Information Systems at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Sebenzile lives in Paarl with an alcoholic and abusive father and his mother is a hardworking domestic helper.
He is the oldest of four siblings and "dwells in the rough". They all share a 3 roomed shack in Paarl. His background has inspired him to want more out of life and to take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way. He has done courses in computer literacy, furniture upholstery and has also trained as a security guard. We also had the pleasure of meeting him and found a very eloquent, humble and focused individual. Not only were we impressed with his heartfelt, articulate essay and his academic achievement but were most impressed with his character.
Sebenzile also works part time to support himself and his family.
He currently lives at the Technikon's Observatory residence. On campus he is a volunteer at the HIV/AIDS centre as well as the Men as Partners peer group. He will complete his studies in 2009. Says Sebenzile, "I dwell in the mud but I believe that a lily grows in the mud and diamonds are also found in the mud"
The other winner is equally inspirational.
Leonie Elliot is an 18 year old straight A matric pupil from Pietersburg. Everything she does, she always come out tops. She has provincial colours in Athletics, Hockey, Gymnastics and Netball. She is also the chairman of the academic committee at her school. With all these amazing achievements her dream, strangely enough, is to become a Movie Director. In her own words, "Quite often people ask why a girl with such intelligence, passion and discipline wants to study movie production rather than becoming a doctor? I simply answer them by asking whether they thought Steven Spielberg didn't have intelligence, passion and discipline". Leonie would like to register for a National Diploma in Motion Picture Production at Tshwane University of Technology.
Her parents are divorced and the financial situation at home has changed for the worst. This is a very expensive course and the nearest institution offering the course is in Tshwane. She needs money for tuition and residence. She often works during vacations and weekends for pocket money.
There is no doubt that these two outstanding individuals will reach their full potential.
With American Swiss's backing, we hope to polish and mould these two precious Gems into brilliant diamonds, out-sparkling all others.
Wax To The Max Competition
American Swiss is one of the sponsors of this dynamic competition.
This annual competition promises to become the most exciting jewellery event of the year. The competition is open for everyone: jewellers, designers, students, and those creative individuals who feel they can design their ultimate jewellery collection...
This competition educates people and promotes jewellery design and is an opportunity for designers young and old to get their hands on the technology.
9 selected designs are to be made up into finished pieces. The designers will be mentored, receive training and be assisted through this process to manufacture one final auction piece. These pieces will be auctioned off for charity. Funds will be donated to Aids Orphan education at Aparrow Village and Vuleka through the Hamba Phambil trust fund.
R750 000 worth of prizes to be won.
