Entries for Essay Writing Bursary Competition Now Open

Media Statement by Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism

Entries for the Nedbank, Western Cape Provincial Treasury and the Western Cape Department of Education Essay Writing Bursary Competition are now open.

The competition is open to Grade 11 learners in the Western Cape who plan to pursue careers in Maths, Economics and Accounting.

Winners of the competition will be awarded a cash prize and be given the opportunity to access a study bursary to pursue a three year degree or diploma in the fields of Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Accounting and/or Commerce at one of the Universities in the Western Cape.

In order to qualify for the competition, entrants will be required to answer the following question in an essay of a minimum of 2200 words:

"Global economic growth slowed down during 2011, marked by a slower growth in both developed and emerging markets. Global growth is expected to moderate further over the short term owing to the contagion risk for the Eurozone emanating from the Greece sovereign debt challenge. Although the growth prospects in the Western Cape economy are positive there are still a number of socio-economic challenges that need to be addressed. Targeted government interventions and investment in respect of improving education outcomes of the labour force, skills development and increasing wellness amongst the population are expected to support long term and sustainable growth, which in turn will add in reducing unemployment and alleviate poverty."

Encouraging learners to enter the competition, Western Cape Minister for Education, Donald Grant said: "In the Western Cape, we view seriously the need to better our Maths and Science outcomes. I would encourage all learners interested in pursuing a career in the sector to apply for the bursary."

Western Cape Minister for Finance, Alan Winde said: "The Western Cape and the rest of South Africa has a dire shortage of skilled professionals in the Maths, Economic and Accounting fields. The Western Cape Government's Treasury had a 26% vacancy rate for Economists and a 15% vacancy rate for financial analysts last financial year. Through this bursary programme and other initiatives we aim to meet this skills shortage."

Last year's winner of the competition, Ihsaan Bassier, expressed his gratitude to Nedbank, The Western Cape Provincial Treasury and the Western Cape Department of Education: "Winning the prize has broadened my vision and motivated me to achieve more with my life. I look forward to studying at the University of Cape Town next year.

*The closing date for the competition is 10 October 2012. Entries are to be submitted to:

Nicolaas van Aarde
Tel: 021 483 3040
E-mail: Nicolaas.vanAarde@pgwc.gov.za