In an effort to encourage youth participation in the regional integration affairs, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched the SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, which is open to all secondary school learners in the region.
The national winners of the 2023 competition have been announced: first place goes to Ms Sebabatso Maqelepo from the Free State Province (US $ 500); the second-place winner is Mr Kitso Makhoana from the North West Province (S $ 300); and the third-place winner is Ms Cadence Budhram from the KwaZulu-Natal Province (US $ 200).
Sebabatso Maqelepo (18), is from Witteberg Hoërskool in the Free State Province. “I have a fascination with economics. To me, economics is like a lens that helps me understand how resources, decisions, and their consequences shape societies. Choosing economics as my path after high school isn't just a career choice; it's a journey to gain knowledge and unravel the complexities that influence our lives. My research not only expanded my knowledge, but also highlighted the significant influence economics has on decision-making, resource allocation, and overall societal well-being. The competition fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping students with abilities needed for future challenges, contributing to financial literacy in an increasingly globalised world. When I receive the prize from this competition, I plan to use the funds to improve our family's situation and alleviate some of the burdens on my parents. Participating in this competition has been a transformative experience that has revealed my ability to tackle challenges head-on; it has taught me resilience, emphasising the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.”
Kitso Makhoana (18), attends Curro Academy in Mahikeng in the North West Province. “I aspire to pursue a career in Civil Engineering. Apart from the prize money, I was motivated by the opportunity to explore and contribute ideas to promote industrialisation in the SADC region. Researching the topic taught me about the various initiatives and challenges involved in promoting industrialisation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It also taught me about the crucial role of regional collaboration, infrastructure development and sector-specific strategies in fostering industrialisation. The competition encourages students to explore real world issues, developing research skills, critical thinking and an understanding of complex economic concepts. I have sharpened my research and writing skills which are valuable in any academic or professional pursuit. I am planning to donate R1,000 to the SPCA in Rustenburg and save the rest for rainy days.”
Cadence Budhram (17), is from Greenbury Secondary School in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. “I want to study Nuclear Medicine after I complete Grade 12. I am from a poor community and I want to be able to make a difference. My research has taught me so much about the SADC and the other countries in Africa and how we are all so different yet so alike in so many ways. Collectively we can accomplish great things as we all have a common goal and researching this topic has taught me that. I believe that a competition of this nature encourages learners to learn researching skills, whilst increasing one’s knowledgebase and thinking out of the box. This competition has allowed my confidence levels to grow and took my knowledge and essay writing skills to a whole new level. I want to go to university, but I lack the funds. This amount will at least pay for my registration fees and get my foot in the door of education. My research skills and knowledge about politics and governmental issues have grown immensely owing to my research for this competition. In addition, my confidence in myself has grown to a whole new level.”
The 2024 topic for the SADC Secondary School Essay Competition is: “How can Human and Financial Capital drive Industrial Development in the SADC Region?” The topic is derived from the theme of the 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Luanda, Republic of Angola on 17 August 2023: “Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region”. The theme seeks to address two of the most critical enablers in supporting regional industrialisation, namely adequate human resources in terms of numbers and technical capacity within the context of climate change and the 4th Industrial Revolution, and adequate financial resources to ensure more sustainable funding mechanisms.
The deadline for submission of entries to the Department of Basic Education is 19 April 2024. All essays should be emailed to Sadcessay@dbe.gov.za.