2021 Western Cape Essay Writing Bursary Competition
9 November 2021
A well-researched essay on the National Minimum Wage earned Aviwe Ncwele of Thembalethu Secondary School first place in the 2021 Nedbank Bursary Competition and financial security to further her studies.
Aviwe has been provisionally accepted to study BCom (Accounting) at Stellenbosch University.
The Public Private Partnership between Nedbank, the Western Cape Provincial Treasury and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) awarded more than 129 bursaries over a 13-year period to pursue studies in Economics or related fields.
Mischike Malgas of Klein Nederburg Sekondêr was the second-place winner and Alicia Joubert of Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof was in third place.
Schools choose promising Grade 11-learners to participate in the competition. They are required to write an essay of approximately 2 200 words on contemporary economic issues.
Learners get an opportunity to present their research work before renowned economists (mainly from Nedbank and Provincial Treasury) and education officials.
The competition aims to promote enthusiasm for Economics, Mathematics, Accounting and career possibilities in these fields; promote knowledge and skills in Economics, Mathematics and Accounting; develop problem-solving and analytical abilities; expose learners to research methods and essay writing skills; provide learners with access and links to the world of work; raise awareness of socio-economic issues in South Africa; develop future leaders in the fields of Economics, Mathematics and Accounting; and encourage and reward excellence.
Sound recommendations which make economic sense are critical in addressing these issues (problem-solving skills).
Schools are invited to enter learners for the 2021/22 Western Cape Essay Writing Bursary Competition. A maximum of 12 bursaries, as well as a cash prize as financial assistance during their Grade 12 year, will be awarded to learners who intend to obtain a degree in Economics. Teachers of the winning learners will also receive cash prizes.
Enquiries about the essay writing and marking must be directed to the district’s Economics subject adviser.