Tshiamo Masike, Sihle Tembo, Polette Mabuza and Michelle Gowere came first in Gauteng.
The MPC Challenge is an exciting competition run by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), in partnership with the Department of Basic Education in Gauteng.
“The challenge gives Grade 12 learners, who are passionate about economics, a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of Governor Gill Marcus and the members of the MPC by analysing current South African economic indicators and making a recommendation on what the repo rate should be,” says Rachel Masadza, a Girls’ High team educator.
The school’s MPC team had to send through a written statement of not more than 1 000 words announcing its decision on the repo rate as well as its reasons for the decision. Out of 80 schools entries, the judges selected five finalists who had to prepare a detailed oral presentation on their statement, which was presented to Reserve Bank panellists on July 22.
She adds that the prizes won included R20 000, shared equally between the four team members, R10 000 for the school, iPads for all team members and the names of the winners are eligible for bursaries from the SARB.
The winning team, with their economics teacher, principal and regional subject advisor, will spend September 19 at the Reserve Bank as guest of governor Markus and the MPC, and watch a monetary policy statement announcement being broadcast.
“Congratulations to the team and their dedicated educator,” says Danika Stoffberg, Girls’ High’s principal.
