Western Cape Government Essay Writing Competition award ceremony 2025
Western Cape Treasury honours young talent at Essay Writing Competition Awards
Cape Town, 4 October 2025 — The Western Cape Provincial Treasury, in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department and Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosted the 18th edition of the Western Cape Government Essay Writing Competition Awards Ceremony at the Nedbank Auditorium (V&A Waterfront).
The annual competition, now a key fixture on Provincial Treasury’s youth development calendar, aims to encourage financial literacy, economic awareness, and critical thinking among high school learners across the Western Cape.
This year’s competition invited learners to reflect on the theme “The South African Reserve Bank’s Repurchase Rate: Exploring how changes in the South African Reserve Bank’s Repurchase rate affects the economy, from consumer spending and business investment to inflation, trade, and financial markets.” Participants were challenged to share their perspectives on how innovation, responsible governance, and community engagement can contribute to a sustainable provincial economy.
Delivering her keynote address of the ceremony, Western Cape Minister of Finance Deidré Baartman praised the learners for their insightful submissions and their ability to tackle complex socio-economic questions.
“This competition is about more than prizes – it is about unlocking opportunities in Economics, Mathematics, and Accounting, preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow, and building a future where every learner can thrive. It is about making sure that talent, no matter where it comes from in our province, has an opportunity to shine” Minister Baartman said.
In addition to celebrating the top achievers, the awards ceremony provides learners with an opportunity to interact with senior government officials, educators, and past bursary recipients who are successfully navigating their career journey onboard the Provincial Treasury ship. Winners received exciting gift packs, certificates, and over R85 000 in cash prizes for their special recognition for their exceptional analytical, presenting and writing skills.
There was a touching moment during the ceremony, when learner Mamello Makoro from Groenberg Secondary School (Grabouw) could not hold back her tears of joy when receiving her runner-up prize and bursary. She shared some words for her fellow learners at Groenberg Secondary School and the Grabouw community at large and said: “always strive for better even if someone tells you that you cannot do it, always believe in your own strength and do not let your circumstances define you.”
Head of Provincial Treasury, Ms Julinda Gantana, highlighted the importance of collaboration between departments in empowering young people to shape the province’s economic future.
“Let us leave here with a renewed commitment: to invest in our youth, to open doors where there are none, and to believe in the power of education to transform lives” she said. In her closing address she thanked the parents and educators for the support and shared some words of encouragement to the finalists and said “learners, you have shown courage, creativity and determination. These qualities will carry you far beyond this competition. You are not just participants in today’s event; you are the authors of tomorrow's South Africa.”
Provincial Treasury extended its heartfelt congratulations to all finalists and expressed appreciation to the parents, educators and schools that supported learners throughout the competition.
“To our finalists, I encourage you to embrace challenges, to pursue your goals with determination, and to see every opportunity, including this one, as a launchpad for your future. To our teachers, thank you again for the role you play. Together, we are building a society where every young person can thrive” Minister Baartman concluded.
Over the years, the Essay Writing Competition has not only provided a platform for academic excellence but has also opened pathways to bursary opportunities and careers within the public finance sector. Many past participants have gone on to pursue successful careers in economics, finance, and public policy, demonstrating the life-changing impact of this initiative.
This year’s event reaffirms the Western Cape Government’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, interdepartmental collaboration, and innovation in education. By fostering analytical and critical thinking skills, Provincial Treasury and its partners continue to invest in a new generation of thinkers and leaders who will drive sustainable growth and good governance in the Western Cape and beyond.
About the Essay Writing Competition
The Western Cape Essay Writing Competition is an annual initiative of Provincial Treasury, hosted in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department and Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The competition invites grade 11 learners across the province who are taking economics, mathematics, or accounting as subjects, to write an essay that critically analyses the current economic situation in South Africa.
The programme encourages the learners to explore financial and economic topics through writing, fostering awareness of responsible citizenship and potential career opportunities in the public sector.
Media Enquiries
Luvo Dumse
Provincial Treasury Communications
Tel: 021 483 4237
Email: Luvo.Dumse@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za/treasury