A total of R20 000 in prize money was handed over by a South African Post Office representative at the Levubu Laerskool on Tuesday.

The money went to the provincial winner of the Post Office’s countrywide letter writing competition, Grade 6 learner Erika Venter (R5 000), and to her school (R15 000). The theme for the competition was “Why it is important to talk about HIV/Aids and to protect yourself against it.”

The prize-giving ceremony was attended by dignitaries from various schools in the region and by senior area representatives of the Post Office. It was officially opened by the principal of the Ganyane Primary School, Ms Mukondeleli Elsie Rasalanavho. The guests were introduced by Ms E Bonnema, principal of the Levubu Laerskool.

The Area Manager of the Post Office, Mr Dan Shihundla, who presented the prize, said the standard was high, and the quality of the letters show that the learners did research and understood the topic.

“Some of the insights and opinions in the entries showed wisdom beyond their years, which is evidence of the skills and education that both teachers and parents are providing the children if this great nation,” he said.

About the competition theme he said an estimated 5,7 million people were living with HIV and Aids in South Africa in 2009. This is more than in any other country. “We are lucky that the government has stepped up its anti-retroviral programme to improve the health of HIV positive citizens. South Africa now has the biggest anti-retroviral programme in the world, but we are luckier to have young South Africans who now know how to make sure we stop the disease from spreading any further.”

Mr Shihundla noted that the Post Office has an all-inclusive programme to support its HIV positive workers.

“Our medical aid scheme has special provision to make sure they can afford their medication and we have a support group run by HIV positive people.”

He announced that the Post Office last year planted 857 trees at schools all over South Africa as part of its investment in the future of the country.

“They absorb carbon dioxide from the air, they keep our planet healthy and they help to cancel out the carbon caused by our business activities,” he said.

Several trees were planted at the Levubu Laerskool after the prize giving ceremony.

The theme for the next Post Office letter writing competition is: “Imagine you are a tree living in a forest. Write a letter to someone to explain why it is important to protect forests.”