This event at the Protea Hotel (Willow Lake) at 17:00, serves as the final stage of an annual competition that has been part of the province’s academic programme since 2012. Grade 12 economics learners were again invited to simulate the role of the MEC.

They had to research and propose how provincial resources should be allocated, providing them with practical insight into the preparation of the provincial budget and the official budget speech.

It’s a collaborative effort between the provincial department of treasury and the department of education. While it began with only a few participants, it expanded in 2017 to include all schools across the province.

Designed to achieve several primary goals, including encouraging youth participation in provincial resource allocation, it exposes learners to real-world economic challenges and identifies passionate students who intend to pursue professional careers in economics.

Prices for the winners will be provided by the department of treasury and corporate sponsors. The ceremony will recognise the top five learners from each of the five districts in the province who submitted the highest-scoring essays.

The provincial treasury officials conducted a thorough marking process. Photo: Free State Provincial Treasury

According to the department of finance, economic development, and tourism the 2026 cycle of the competition saw a lot of engagement as 140 applications were submitted by Grade 12 learners from across the Free State.

Following the submission period, which ran from 20 January to 20 February, provincial treasury officials conducted a thorough marking process of the 140 scripts.

Great value

“I find the budget speech essay competition has a great value for aspiring Grade 12 learners across the province,” said Makume.

The topics are economically relevant and critical for the future of the country, he added, extending gratitude to the officials from both the treasury and the department of education for their coordination in ensuring the competition’s success.

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