Launched in 1972, the competition requires students to write an essay based on a specific question posed for the current year. The 2020 question for undergraduate students was “Would the implementation of land expropriation without compensation unlock greater economic growth or damage it further in South Africa? Illustrate your answer by using international experience” and for postgraduate students “Make the case for or against a change in the mandate and ownership of the South African Reserve Bank?”
Lehlohonolo (left), studying towards his MComm in Economics and Ndivhuwo, a second year BComm student, impressed the judges enough with their essays to secure top spots in the competition.
The competition has produced some of the brightest young economists in the country, people who have gone on to hold significant positions both in South Africa and abroad. Some competition winners are now professors or doctors in economics serving in the academic field, whilst others are working in the National Treasury and in top organisations.
The focus of the competition is on academic excellence and essays are judged primarily on merit and quality. Essays of the same quality are evaluated further, using criteria such as empowerment (black students will be given preference), potential, needs (students who cannot afford to further their studies), community involvement and commitment to address the country’s economic issues.
The finalists will be interviewed by the judging panel in Cape Town next month, where their intellectual sparkle, ability to formulate and express rational arguments and their understanding and knowledge of topical economic issues will be evaluated.competition carries a prize purse of R150 000 for the winner of the postgraduate category and R60 000 for the winner of the undergraduate category.