MEC Grant Extends his Best Wishes to Team Zeallous

The Ministry for Education in the Western Cape would like to extend its full support to the members of Team Zeallous from Stellenbosch High School who will be competing in the 2009 Formula One in Schools World Championships in England on the 15th of September 2009.

The members of Team Zeallous will be representing South Africa as they compete against 31 national champion teams from countries such as China, Australia and the United States of America. Each team will be competing to win the Bernie Ecclestone World Championship trophy and scholarships at City University London.

"One of this administration's key priorities is to expand the number of learners in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said MEC for Education Donald Grant on Tuesday.

"We are therefore pleased to see that learners who take part in the F1 schools programme are given the opportunity to improve these skills, while further developing their knowledge in physics, aerodynamics, design, graphics, manufacturing, branding, sponsorship, financial planning, marketing, and media - all in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way."

Team Zeallous consists of three members - Marisa Niemandt the team manager and graphic designer, Kyla Smit the resource manager and Leonardo Maré the design and manufacturing engineer. Hugo Minaar is the assistant manager.

The team met the MEC two weeks ago in his office, where they exhibited a model of the car that will be competing in the Championships. During the competition, the cars will be racing side-by-side along a 20-metre track at a scale speed of over 220mph.

"We wish the team the best of luck, and no matter the outcome of the competition, we know they will do both the Western Cape and South Africa proud!" said Grant.

For more information on the Team and the competition, please contact Hugo Minaar via email or visit their website.