Pride and anticipation filled the room at Sandton’s Convention Centre on August 20, where learners, their parents, educators, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) staff, as well as SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago and the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, were gathered for the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Schools Challenge.
The event marked the 12th anniversary of this prestigious competition. Among the 12 finalists from schools across the country, Panorama Secondary School from Mpumalanga emerged as the top winner, showcasing exceptional knowledge and skill in monetary policy.
In second place is Michaelhouse from KwaZulu-Natal
While the third-place spot went to Hoërskool Montana from Gauteng.
The MPC Schools Challenge is the SARB’s flagship social investment programme, aimed at Grade 12 learners with a focus on those studying Economics and Pure Mathematics. The competition is designed to create awareness about the role of the SARB and monetary policy while stimulating interest in the field of economics.
By participating in this challenge, learners gain invaluable insights into the workings of the SARB, enhancing their understanding of economic principles and monetary policy.
During the competition, participating teams are provided with economic data, information, and reading materials to help in their preparation. They receive guidance from SARB economists, some of which were once finalists in the very same challenge, years ago, said? These economists outline the process and set expectations for the learners.
The highlight of the challenge is when learners prepare and present their own MPC statements, mirroring the format delivered by the SARB Governor every two months. This hands-on experience not only deepens their understanding of economics but also equips them with skills in analysis and public speaking.
Learners from the winning team each receive a SARB bursary, a cash prize and an iPad. Their school also receives a cash prize, and their educator receives a laptop. Finalists from the other top 11 schools are also rewarded with cash prizes, financial contributions to their schools and laptops for their educators.
The MPC Schools Challenge is a joint project by the SARB and the Department of Basic Education, involving learners from schools nationwide, with the competition growing significantly since its inception in 2012 in Gauteng. By 2018, it had expanded to include participants from all provinces, and in 2022, independent schools were also invited to join the challenge through the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
The other 2024 MPC Schools Challenge finalists were:
- Fourth place: Hoërskool Garsfontein
- Fifth place: Glenvista High School
- Six place: Midrand High School
- Seven place: Paarl Girls’ High School
- Eighth place: Parklands High School
- Ninth place: Elsies River High School
- Tenth place: Daspoort Secondary School
- Eleventh place: Ntabezulu Secondary School
- Twelfth place: Isifisosethu Secondary School
IOL