SA’s Arty Youth Shine in Konica Minolta South Africa competition

The ceremony, held at Konica Minolta’s head office, was attended by all 12 finalists. It was a day of appreciating artwork by the country’s talented youth, which saw them being rewarded for their noteworthy accomplishments. Photographers were on hand to capture the winners’ excitement during the handover of prizes.

The winners took home a share of R60 000 and a R20 000 bursary for their school, college or institution. The 12 finalists, together with a parent, guardian or their art teacher, got to spend a special day with Konica Minolta. 

Back row:            Janco Malan, Brooklyn Fynn, Jemma McKenzie, Jade Mackenzie, Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng, Mothobi Mefane and Nicole Oberholzer

Front row:           Andrew Urmson, Otlotleng Dimu, Huda Hamid and Janco Kotzé

Special needs school winners:

First Place: Nikita Coetzee, Westcliff School of Skills (Cape Town)

Second Place: Janco Malan, La Wiida Leersentrum (Polokwane)

Third place: Otlotleng Dimu, Sonitus School (Pretoria)

Primary school winners:

First place: Huda Hamid, St. Patrick’s CBC (Kimberley)

Second place: Andrew Urmson, St. Peter’s Preparatory School (Johannesburg)

Third place: Janco Kotzé, Durbanville Primary (Cape Town)

High school winners:

First place: Jemma McKenzie, Penryn College (Nelspruit)

Second place: Jade Mackenzie, Fish Hoek High School (Cape Town)

Third place: Brooklynn Fynn, Maris Stella High School (Durban)

Tertiary school winners:

First place: Nicole Oberholzer, The Open Window Institution (Pretoria)

Second place: Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng, Artist Proof Studio (Johannesburg),

Third place: Mothobi Mefane, Motheo TVET College (Bloemfontein),

Being chosen as one of the 12 finalists was no mean feat. An initial 5 480 entries were received from more than 1 000 primary schools, high schools, special-needs schools and tertiary institutions around the country.

“I am overwhelmed to have won, says Jemma McKenzie, who took home first place in the High School category. “It’s very exciting and it’s come at the perfect time. I am going to study at UCT and this is a real confidence boost for me as I come from the small town of Nelspruit. I am so grateful that companies like Konica Minolta South Africa take art so seriously!”

Also commenting on Jemma’s win was Michelle Booysen, HOD at Penryn College in Nelspruit, “We are very proud of Jemma. As a school, we are always entering art competitions as we believe that our children need to be recognised and that we must expose them to these types of opportunities. We encourage our children to work hard, especially when it comes to drawing skills as these are the basis of all other forms of art.”

Students had numerous themes and a variety of mediums to choose from for their masterpieces. Their artworks were judged on seven criteria: creativity and originality; composition; content; execution; presentation; technical level; and overall evaluation.

On 27 November 2018, 126 finalists were shortlisted for the pop-up gallery, set up by Konica Minolta, showcasing the works of the semi-finalists. Both their talent and hard work were admired by the 105 Konica Minolta staff members who voted for the finalists, along with the official adjudicators. 

“Well done to the winners,” said Alten Hulme, chief sales and marketing officer, Konica Minolta South Africa. “Their dedication, talent and enthusiasm made this competition a success! We have truly unearthed talented young South Africans by view of their artistic expression." 

*Based on an industry sales survey by independent market data specialist Infosource