Bursary Essay Competition

Nedbank, Provincial Treasury & the Western Cape Education Department present a Bursary Competition for Grade 11 students who plan to pursue careers in maths, economics & accounting.

What can I win?

Winners of the Competition are awarded a cash amount and the opportunity to access a study bursary to pursue a three year degree/diploma in the fields of economics, finance, mathematics, accountancy and/or commerce, at one of the Universities in the Western Cape.

What do I need to do?

Essay Task Scenario:

South Africa, an envy of many global political leaders for the turning around of its political landscape in 1994. However, many (especially in local politics) have argued that since the advent of political democracy in South Africa, the country has not been able to shift its economic framework to favour the previously marginalised.

Radical socio-economic transformation is a phrase that has formed part of the current political debate in South Africa across the political party lines. During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2017, the former President of the Republic of South Africa (President Hon. JG Zuma) defined the concept as follows:

“… A fundamental change in structure, systems, institutions and patterns of ownership, management and control of the economy in order to ensure that the economy is in favour of all South Africans especially the poor majority of whom are African and female, as defined by the governing party which makes policy for the democratic government.”

Essay task:

Critically examine the above-mentioned scenario with reference to the current South African situation (political and economic) by defining what this phrase truly means through analysing the reasons for its re-emergence; various perspectives articulated by different political parties who argue for or against this drive and suggest hindrances behind the delay in accelerating economic redress policies. In addition to this, outline how the ruling majority political party intends to roll this out given all the socio-economic challenges faced by the current South African populace.

Note: The essay must:

• be well researched
• consist of a minimum of 2200 words
• conform to the required layout.

Entries for 2018/19 Closed

Further Enquiries:
Nicolaas van Aarde
Tel: 021 483 3040
Email: Nicolaas.vanAarde@westerncape.gov.za

2018/2019 Bursary Essay Competition

• Entry Form
• Marking Rubric

2017/2018 Bursary Competition and Top Performing Schools in Accounting and Economics Awards