Budget Essay Winners Announced

The Provincial Treasury with Nedbank, its banking partner, and the Western Cape Department of Education have come together today [February 24, 2009] to celebrate the winner/s of the first Western Cape Essay Writing competition, the aim of which is to nurture and invest in the next generation of mathematicians, economists, decision makers and thinkers. The competition is focused on rewarding with bursaries those deserving candidates who have the skills and aptitude, but not the financial means to study further.

Front, left to right: Ruth Solomon, Carmin Fillis
Back, left to right: Jadine Johnson, Danielle Terry, Asisipho Skweyiya, Heather Peterson

Six finalists - Jadine Johnson (Eslin Park), Danielle Terry (Eslin Park), Asisipho Skweyiya (Settlers Senior Secondary), Heather Peterson (Bergriver Secondary), Ruth Solomon (Settlers Senior Secondary) and Carmin Fillis (Montana Senior Secondary) - were selected and all won full university bursaries, kicking off in 2010 and a R2500.00 cash prize.

First prize winner, Danielle Terry, received an extra R7 500.00 cash when she starts university in 2010, and runner up, Ruth Solomon, got R5 000.00.

"I feel very proud of myself and would like to thank Nedbank and the Government for making it possible for me to further my studies. It is a dream come true. Thanks to my mom and dad for their support and a special thank you to Mr Africa (Economics teacher at Eslin Park) for his vote of confidence and support as well as the headmaster, Richard Daly. I will do everything in my power to make you all proud," said winner Danielle Terry.

"Economics, business sciences, maths and science skills are key to the future of South Africa and unlocking potential talent in learners a vital component in this quest. If we are to succeed, public- and private-sector leadership must work together to create a reservoir of these skills for both sectors to draw on," says Garth Strachan, MEC for finance, economic development and tourism.

Alastair Pearce, divisional director Nebank Corporate in the Western Cape, says Government alone "cannot be tasked with this role and it is incumbent on the residents of the province to embrace the meaning of Ubuntu and actively contribute to the upliftment of society at large".

"This competition is based on the highly successful Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech competition which celebrated its 36th anniversary two weeks ago. The essay competition is in its first year and the aim of the competition is to nurture and invest in the next generation of mathematicians, economists, decision makers and thinkers."

The project is aimed at Grade 11 learners studying economics, science and mathematics in the Western Cape and is a fitting tribute to the successes that can be achieved through such public/private partnerships.

Pearce added: "Through the Nedbank Foundation we look forward to making an even greater contribution in the Western Cape and I am delighted to announce that after a successful pilot project the The Nedbank, Provincial Treasury and the Department of Education project: Western Cape Essay Writing competition will become an annual event running through to 2011."