Finalists of 53rd Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition announced
Published - 13 January 2025
The 53rd Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition – a distinguished national event fostering economic insight among university students – announced its undergraduate and postgraduate finalists today.
This prestigious competition drew in innovative entries from which a panel of expert judges have chosen the top talent in both undergraduate and postgraduate categories. Since launching in 1972, the competition has been a collaborative effort by the National Treasury, Nedbank, and Old Mutual aimed at nurturing scholarship and thought leadership through bursaries for studies in economics. It has identified future leaders who have proven to be influential in South African socio-economic policy work, including, among others, Presidential Economic Advisory Council members Trudi Makhaya, Isaah Mhlanga and Professor Ingrid Woolard. The competition supports the National Development Plan's objectives and serves as a critical platform for young economists to engage with key societal challenges.
This year's undergraduate applications explored the implications of public debt on government finances in developing economies, with a focus on South Africa. Postgraduate students deliberated on the prospects for medium-term economic growth in South Africa amid the possibility of a coalition government at national level.
Students compete for prizes which can be used to fund their studies
- Undergraduate category
- First prize – R60 000
- Second prize – R40 000
- Third prize – R20 000
- Postgraduate category
- First prize – R150 000
- Second prize – R100 000
- Third prize – R50 000
‘Initiatives like the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition speak to Nedbank’s core purpose of using our financial expertise to do good,’ said Jason Quinn, Chief Executive at Nedbank.
‘The competition has become the premier launchpad for budding economists who are identified through the shortlisting process as holding high potential as future decision-makers and thought leaders. At Nedbank we are proud to be at the forefront of nurturing this new generation of thinkers and leaders whose fresh insights and bold solutions are vital for addressing South Africa's most critical economic challenges,’ adds Quinn.
Iain Williamson, Chief Executive Officer at Old Mutual, says: ‘As a business dedicated to driving economic progress, we are immensely proud to support the Budget Speech Competition. Since its inception in 1972, the competition has been a platform for empowering future leaders to shape a brighter economic future.’
‘Congratulations to the finalists of the 53rd iteration of the competition – we look forward to engaging with your innovative ideas and critical thinking to unlock transformative solutions South Africa so desperately needs,’ he adds.
The winners will be celebrated at an exclusive gala dinner on the evening of the 2025 Budget Speech in Cape Town. The event will provide a momentous opportunity for the winners to engage with industry leaders, including the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana.
This year’s undergraduate finalist cohort comprises students from the University of Cape Town, Wits University, University of Johannesburg and North-West University. Wits University, the University of Limpopo, Walter Sisulu University and Stellenbosch University are represented by postgraduates. The full list of finalists can be found here.
About 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.
For media enquiries please contact: NedbankMedia@nedbank.co.za or Media@oldmutual.com.
