(From left to right) Mike Brown (CEO of Nedbank); Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene; Post-graduate winner Yshvir Algu and Ralph Mupita (CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets).
(From left to right) Mike Brown (CEO of Nedbank); Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene; Under-graduate winner Tlhalefang Moeletsi and Ralph Mupita (CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets)
Business and government leaders honoured the crème de la crème of South Africa’s young economics students – winners of the Nedbank Old Mutual Budget Speech competition - last night at a dinner hosted by Nedbank and Old Mutual, with Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene as guest of honour.
With finalists from seven institutions and R420 000 in prize-money, Wits University excelled this year, producing winners in both categories. Tlhalefang Moeletsi and Yashvir Algu respectively won the undergraduate and postgraduate categories. Old Mutual Emerging Markets CEO Ralph Mupita and Nedbank CE Mike Brown hosted the finalists of the competition which, in partnership with the National Treasury has, since 1972, encouraged young South Africans to be involved in the national conversation about economic growth.
In his keynote speech, Mr Brown said the competition has become “an institution for aspirations” and added: “The quality of these entries underscore the fact that we have both the talent and some of the finest tertiary facilities in world. This is further motivation for the private sector to get involved in education initiatives right now and help make our future prosperity happen.”
Mr Mupita lauded the National Treasury’s ongoing support for the competition: “At its core is commitment to long-term economic development and a fresh approach toward our country’s challenges. This has amounted to more than four decades of partnership to identify, nurture and groom young talent. Collaboration between the public and private sector is vital to create growth,” he added.
Minister Nene told the finalists: “I see leaders of the future here tonight and it’s important that you are part of the conversation on growth. I’m struck by the intellectual sparkle I’ve seen and I hope you take that forward to find answers to the difficult questions facing the nation.”
Postgraduate entrants were asked to address rising government debt and weak international demand, and how SA could move towards faster economic growth.
Undergraduates dissected the role of trade unions in steering fiscal policy and assessed proposals for growth and job creation.
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