Witsies to shine at Budget Speech
- Wits University
Six undergraduate and two postgraduate students from Wits are set to compete in the 54th Budget Speech Competition.
They are part of a group of ten undergraduates and ten postgraduate students from universities across South Africa chosen by Nedbank and Old Mutual to compete ahead of the annual Budget Speech to be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
The Wits finalists from the School of Economics and Finance are:
- Undergraduate: Matlhatsi Jood, Dakalo Munyai, Annabel Uttley, Robert Laubscher, Oluchukwe Ugwuanyi and Ramosoeu Sekati.
- Postgraduate: Sikelelwe Magoda and Audrey Manyangeni
The finalists, representing top academic institutions from across the country, were selected through a rigorous adjudication process. This was done through a panel of academics, economists and representatives of the sponsors and public-sector stakeholders. The essays submitted this year responded to the following topics:
- Undergraduate category: ‘Trade protectionism in the form of higher import tariffs to stimulate job creation in developing economies, with a particular focus on South Africa.’
- Postgraduate category: ‘Inflation targeting in South Africa: evaluate the optimal lower target, implementation timing, and international comparisons.’
Jurie Strydom, Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual South Africa, says the calibre of this year’s finalists is truly outstanding and inspires strong optimism about their potential contributions to future socio-economic policy discussions.
“We are proud to continue supporting a competition that challenges young South Africans to engage critically with real economic issues. The finalists have demonstrated exceptional analytical ability, academic depth, and a clear commitment to contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic future,” Strydom said.
Nedbank Chief Executive, Jason Quinn, commended the finalists, saying they represented the best and the brightest of their generation. “Nedbank’s long-standing support of the Budget Speech Competition is grounded in our belief that investing in future generations serves to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for society at large,” said Quinn.
“The intellectual rigour displayed in this year’s submissions underscores our conviction that nurturing engagement with issues of public policy, supports a stable and vibrant democracy. An engaged citizenry is an essential component, and the finalists of this year’s competition represent the very best in this regard.”
The finalists will be invited to Cape Town in February during budget speech period to participate in the official final round, which includes panel interviews and culminates in a gala dinner timed with the Budget Speech. The winners will be announced that evening.
The full list of finalists and their essays can be found here: https://budgetspeechcompetition.co.za/finalist-navigation/2025-finalists/
足球竞彩app排名 the competition
The Nedbank Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition has been a key initiative in promoting thought leadership in Economics and Social Sciences in South Africa since launching in 1972. Through this unique scholarship programme, the competition promotes principles of sustainable economic development and develops future leaders in Economics, with a focus on young black university students. It also aims to promote interest in Economics as a field of study and career path.