The 54th Budget Speech Competition empowers youth
Postgraduate students critically evaluated South Africa’s inflation-targeting framework, including the optimal lower bound, implementation considerations, and lessons from international experience.
Nedbank and Old Mutual celebrated the next-generation economists with the 54th Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech (NOBSC) Competition in Cape Town on February 25.
Launched in 1972, the NOBSC has been a key initiative in promoting thought leadership in Economics and Social Sciences.
The competition promotes principles of sustainable development and develops future leaders in Economics, with a focus on young black university students.
Chief Executive of Nedbank, Jason Quinn, said: “ The NOBSC reminds us every year that South Africa is rich in possibilities.
“These young future economists demonstrate the curiosity, courage and analytical thinking that our country needs to navigate complex challenges.”
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Quinn continued by adding that he is proud that they are able to help create a platform where emerging thinkers can step forward, be heard and shape economic conversations.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities across SA were invited to tackle real-world policy questions aligned with the nation’s 2026 Budget Speech themes in the form of an essay.
Postgraduate student from Soweto, Protea, Karabo Chauke shared that she entered the competition because she is passionate about Economics and public policy and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to push herself beyond the classroom and to grow intellectually and professionally.
“It feels empowering and inspiring that, as a young woman coming from Soweto, I get the opportunity to represent young women in spaces where economic policy is discussed. It shows that your background does not limit your potential,” she said.
This year’s undergraduate entrants examined the role of trade protectionism, particularly in developing economies, and the impact of higher import tariffs on job creation, with a specific focus on South Africa.
Postgraduate students critically evaluated South Africa’s inflation-targeting framework, including the optimal lower bound, implementation considerations, and lessons from international experience.
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The top achievers were announced and got an opportunity to interact with policymakers.
Top achievers recognised in the undergraduate category:
• Msindisi Lizani, University of Fort Hare
• Matlhatsi Jood, University of the Witwatersrand
• Ainsley Kelly Geduldt, University of the Western Cape
Top achievers recognised in the postgraduate category:
• Ashley Matandire, University of Cape Town
• Yolanda Gcaleka, University of Fort Hare
• Sikelelwa Magoda, University of the Witwatersrand
Group CEO at Old Mutual Group, Jurie Strydom, shared that the competition continues to elevate emerging economists while reaffirming Old Mutual and Nedbank’s shared commitment to strengthening South Africa’s intellectual capital and deepening informed public-policy dialogue.
Top achiever in the postgraduate category, Ashley Matandire, told Urban News that she was in utter disbelief after winning, as she was a returning competitor who had first entered as an undergraduate student and did not make it.
With every edition, the NOBSC continues to serve as a platform where ambition meets opportunity, and where the nation’s brightest young minds are challenged to think boldly about the country’s future.
