By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – Free State’s top young minds were all female as five Grade 12 learners swept the Annual Budget Essay Competition, standing out among 145 entrants.
Lethabo Mothofo of Calculus High School said she was stunned to be placed in the top two. “I still can’t believe it… I’m grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
Winner Motshedisi Potsane of Ithabeleng Secondary School in Wesselsbron said the recognition affirmed her hard work.
“We explored how budgeting can drive a green economy and sustainable development,” she said.
Now in its 14th year, the competition exposes learners to government budgeting while inviting their ideas on the province’s future.
Announcing the results during the provincial budget speech on 17 March, MEC Ketso Makume said learners tackled the theme: Budgeting for a Green Economy to Stimulate Economic Growth and Job Creation.
Top five: Matshego Mochologi, Motshedisi Potsane, Palesa Lethiba, Lethabo Mothofo and Kekeletso Mtshiwane.
Makume said the initiative not only empowers youth but gives government insight into their thinking.
For the winners, the honour signals one thing: their voices count.
