June 8, 2005
The local version of The Apprentice makes its debut on SABC3 on June 16. Meet the 16 candidates whom Tokyo Sexwale will be putting through the paces for the job of a lifetime.
Zita de Abreu
23-year-old Zita is a national key accounts manager from Brits. Her function at work is to equip the company's agents and representatives in all the branches throughout the country with tools to go forward with deals, procurement and supplying clients with service. Her main goal is to own her own company.
Sakhile Ndaba
"I took part in The Apprentice because I believe in my own capabilities," says 22-year-old Sakhile, a cabin attendant and part-time brand communication student from Thembisa, Johannesburg. He has spent the last three years travelling around the world to big cities including New York, Washington and London, working with physically and mentally disabled adults and children, teaching drama and archery.
Christian Botes
Christian (30) is from Morningside, Joburg. This business development manager works for MegaPro Marketing as a new business development manager. He started off in 2003 as a national sales and marketing executive and worked his way up the corporate ladder. "I am a competitive person who thrives on challenges and sports where you have to compete against yourself and other team members."
Mohammed Patel
Mohammed (27) is a majority shareholder and benefactor from Durban. He has worked in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Guernsey in the UK. In '96 and '98 he was a manager and director at Sir Textiles in Cape Town. He now runs a block of flats in the UK where he is a majority shareholder and benefactor. "My game plan for The Apprentice is to be myself, hard, fair and to contribute in every facet of the game."
Thembi Manyike
Thembi is a 23-year-old student and part-time worker from Vosloorus, Joburg. She is currently studying on a part time basis and working at a recruitment agency. Her working career highlight came last year when she received a recruitment award. "I want to play the game well and fairly, my strategy will change from task to task. I like to watch and keep quiet ... at this stage of the game there's a lot to be learned."
Zanele Batyashe
Zanele is a 24-year-old from Roodepoort, Johannesburg. She is currently studying towards an Honours degree in corporate communications. Her career highlights thus far include being head-hunted by Proctor and Gamble, the company she is currently working for. "I knew Mr Sexwale was looking for me when I heard the ad. I'm young, dynamic, smart and business-minded."
Emmah Makatu
Emmah hails from Millnerton Ridge, Cape Town. The 35-year-old entrepreneur is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica). She is currently the proud owner and manager of Zwinoni Lodge and shareholder and director of African Confidence Business Consulting (Pty) Ltd (ACBC). "I am so proud to be associated with The Apprentice and hope to do well."
Nthato Mahlaba
Nthato has worked for the United States Department of Agriculture (international affairs) and came back to South Africa to work for KPMG. The 29-year-old from Parktown North, Johannesburg, now works for Standard Bank. "I'm a quiet, diplomatic team player with interests in people, music, philosophy and travel. If this show doesn't work out, life will continue; it's a great opportunity nonetheless."
Ismail Hendricks
25-year-old Ismail is a business analyst from Johannesburg and is currently employed by a major bank in South Africa. "Just being part of the show is an accomplishment on its own, otherwise, plans are to evaluate all the opportunities that may arise and I will make my decisions accordingly."
Richard Ndlela
Richard is a 30-year-old businessman/part-time student from Observatory, Cape Town. He runs his business online from home. Richard studied in Joburg and relocated to Cape Town
. He has worked as a business development manager, business manager/executive and was a business development director when Kitso Networks was awarded Cape Town's Unicity IT programme.
Lynn-Molikan Lipschitz
Lynn-Molikan is an auditor from Waterkloofglen, Pretoria. This 28-year-old is involved in international auditing and has extensive experience in environmental auditing, performance auditing and has a keen interest in information systems audits. "My strategy for the game is to apply myself, think strategically," she says.
Iris Francis
Iris is a 34-year-old general manager - marketing communications from Treasure Beach, Durban. She has a background in advertising and marketing communications. She has promoted travel to the Zulu Kingdom and is currently studying towards an MBA. "I'm going to maximise on the huge opportunities this show will bring me, play with integrity so that if I leave, I leave with dignity."
Steve Mckenzie
Steve is from Claremont in Cape Town. This 32-year-old is busy setting up his own business. He has just completed a full-time MBA at the UCT Graduate School of Business, where he was the class president. "I like being acknowledged for my efforts and I think this is going to be a fun ride, a unique experience. I've always been self-motivated and determined to succeed in whatever task I'm given."
Taryn Hatchuel
24-year-old Taryn comes from Senderwood, Johannesurg. She is an account manager at Marketing Concepts where she does the marketing for a number of shopping centres around the country, as well as listed property funds. "I realise that the South African Apprentice will make an immense difference in the business world and in our country. I want to be a part of that."
Tristan Davies
Tristan is a 26-year-old independent broker for Lion Head Corporation (LHC). He hails from Sunningdale, Cape Town and is involved in a telecommunications business. The company specialises in security and mobile communication and employs previously disadvantaged people. He is currently working as an independent broker. He raises venture capital for future ventures trading mainly in Europe.
Khomotso Choma
Khomotso is an entrepreneur from Baukenveld, Witbank. The 34-year-old has worked as a social worker for various government departments and municipalities. Khomotso is currently the owner and manager of a building construction company and has employed five permanent employees and 60 subcontractors. "I want to prove to all young South African women that success is possible if you persevere."
Did you know...
Donald Trump's nickname is The Don/The Donald
He is half German and half Scottish.
His trademark is his comb-over hairstyle.
In his first book, The Art Of The Deal, he wrote that he briefly thought of attending the University of Southern California (USC), with the idea of becoming a film producer or studio executive. He then decided that the real estate business was more lucrative.
His daughter Ivanka (with Ivana Trump) is a model.
Earlier this year he married his third wife - Melania Knauss.
The Apprentice is a 15-episode unscripted drama in which 16 candidates from all walks of life endure rigorous tasks while living together in a hip Manhattan loft apartment.
The group of 16 is divided into two teams of eight. Trump then issues the first task.
Teams are given time constraints for each task and they are observed by either Trump or members of his staff at every moment along the way.
The winner of the competition is granted the dream job of a lifetime with The Trump Organization and a salary of $250 000
(about R1,67-million).
Donald Trump doesn't carry a briefcase.
His catch phrase "You're fired!" is from The Apprentice.
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