On February 23, 2026, it was announced that eight students from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) will compete in the 54th Budget Speech Competition. Organized by Nedbank and Old Mutual, this event selects student representatives from various universities across South Africa in preparation for the upcoming Budget Speech, which is set for February 25, 2026, and will be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Finalists from Wits University
The finalists from Wits are comprised of six undergraduate students—Matlhatsi Jood, Dakalo Munyai, Annabel Uttley, Robert Laubscher, Oluchukwe Ugwuanyi, and Ramosoeu Sekati—and two postgraduate students, Sikelelwe Magoda and Audrey Manyangeni. These students were selected through a rigorous adjudication process conducted by a panel consisting of academics, economists, and representatives from both sponsoring organizations, as well as public-sector stakeholders.
Competition Topics
This year’s competition topics touched on significant economic issues. The undergraduate category focused on “trade protectionism in the form of higher import tariffs to stimulate job creation in developing economies, with a specific emphasis on South Africa.” Meanwhile, postgraduate submissions evaluated “inflation targeting in South Africa: optimal lower target, implementation timing, and international comparisons.”
Comments from Industry Leaders
Jurie Strydom, Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual South Africa, commented on the high caliber of the finalists and expressed optimism regarding their potential contributions to socio-economic policy discussions. He highlighted the competition’s role in encouraging young South Africans to engage critically with contemporary economic issues.
Similarly, Jason Quinn, Chief Executive of Nedbank, acknowledged the finalists as representatives of their generation and underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting future generations in achieving a sustainable and prosperous societal future.
Upcoming Events
The finalists will be invited to Cape Town during the week of the budget speech, where they will participate in panel interviews and a gala dinner coinciding with the Budget Speech event. The winners will be announced during this occasion.
History of the Competition
Since its inception in 1972, the Nedbank Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition has played a crucial role in promoting economic thought leadership in South Africa. The competition seeks to foster sustainable economic development and aims to cultivate future leaders in economics, particularly among young black university students. It also aims to stimulate interest in economics as a viable field of study and career path.
(Source: Wits University)
