The lucky winner of BIC's Back To School competition is now being driven to school in his very own car. Naturena resident and Grade 10 learner Mbuso Sithole (16) still can't believe that he is the proud owner of a four-seater TATA INDIGO , courtesy of BIC SA. Mbuso collected his car from TATA Kenilworth on April 7, just in time to celebrate Easter.

Mbuso entered BIC's Back To School competition after seeing it advertised in a Shoprite store. With his heart set on winning an Xbox, another of the fantastic prizes up for grabs, Mbuso enthusiastically entered the competition 20 times via SMS.

"I couldn't believe it when I got the call from Rupesh Mallgee, head of Zonke Ignition Advertising. I thought it was a practical joke and asked him to call me later," Mbuso laughs. "When the second call came, I had to put my brother and mother on the line to confirm it for me. This is the first time that I've ever entered a competition, and still can't believe my luck," he says. Mbuso admits that he wanted something special to happen on his birthday, March 10. What he didn't realise, was that the special gift would come one week earlier. "This was such a wonderful birthday present that my family can share," he adds.

With a range of emotions speeding through his system, Mbuso admits that he's a little disappointed that he's still too young to drive. "My brother will have to drive me around for now, but luckily I can get my learners licence when I turn 17," he says.

BIC's Back To School competition ran from November 2008 to February 2009 and included a live television game show on YOTV – Wizz Wars - which was supported through point-of-sale at various retail outlets, print advertisements in popular magazines and TV adverts on all channels.

"Our main objective was to increase sales in the stationery category, but we also wanted to give back to our loyal consumers. Not only did the competition create awareness around our various BIC products among adults and children, it also saw many lucky winners walk away with various prizes including Xboxes, TVs and R20 000 worth of airtime," says Millicent Quoilin, Marketing manager of BIC SA Stationery.

Mbuso was accompanied by his mother, two aunts and brother Gaby to collect his prize. Gaby (27) is the designated driver for Mbuso’s new car. The family is elated. "BIC SA would like to congratulate Mbuso on his fantastic win! We hope he has many hours of enjoyment being driven around in his new TATA INDIGO," Millicent concludes.

Over 80 000 entries were received from all ages around the country via SMS ,a WAP site, a competition website, and entry forms at retail outlets. In keeping with the latest online trends, BIC SA hosted the WAP site and Web site for the first time and was amazed by the amount of entries they received from kids through this entry mechanism.

BIC SA encourages everyone to participate in its exciting competitions. Who knows…You could be the next lucky winner of an amazing prize. Watch out for more fun BIC products and competitions coming soon.