Sandile Mbatha, a University of Johannesburg (UJ) student doing his Masters in Development Economics believes a just energy transition might be what South Africa needs to solve the current electricity challenges.
He believes moving away from using coal to generate electricity can make the country’s energy sector more equitable and environmentally friendly.
Mbatha does however note that a just energy transition can come with challenges such as job losses and economic disruptions that might lead to social unrests.
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These points were articulated in Mbatha’s essay which won him first prize at this year’s Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.
It’s an annual competition where university students get a chance to contribute to solving the country’s economic challenges through writing essays.
It coincides with the budget speech delivered by South Africa’s minister of finance. Mbatha won first prize in the post graduate category and walked away with R150 000.
“It feels unbelievable, especially because we had a great group of candidates who are leaders in their own respect and were very good,” said Mbatha about his win. “This was not expected and it feels surreal but I’m very excited to win and hope it marks a bright future for me.”
This is a big milestone for Mbatha and it will definitely mark a bright future for him like many others who have won the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition before him.
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They have gone on to occupy top positions in both government and the private sector in the field of economics.
While Mbatha plans on becoming the country’s distinguished researcher that will solve economic challenges, his immediate plan is to finish his studies which he will now use his prize money to pay for.
He said, “I had no funding for my Masters which I’m currently doing, so this money will go towards paying my debt at school. After completing my Masters, I’m open to all opportunities.”
The Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition not only recognises the country’s brightest minds but it has also become a platform for empowerment for young people who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds like Mbatha.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg in KZN, Mbatha attended government schools until finishing his matric. He then enrolled at UJ and through NSFAS funding and managed to get to where he is today, poised to shape the country’s future as a great thinker.
Fellow students, Ziyanda Magazi and Irshaad Mayet were also recognised for their essays, winning second and third prize respectively walking away with R100 000 and R50 000 each.
Hamzah Mia from Wits University won in the undergraduate category and walked away with R60 000. Shuaib Mahomed and Paula Prinsloo also from Wits took second and third prizes of R40 000 and R20 000 respectively.
“The essays continue to demonstrate outstanding academic prowess and innovative thinking, making this cohort of students champions of economic insight and societal progress,” said Old Mutual CEO Ian Williamson at the awards ceremony.
This year’s competition was in its 52nd edition and received hundreds of essay entries which were reviewed by a panel of experts from business and academia.
Not only does it give students a chance to share their views and expertise on the structuring of the country’s budget and economy, the competition also demonstrates the two brands’ commitment to education and youth empowerment.
“We congratulate these exceptional young thought leaders for their commitment to applying their talent to help in solving complex and pressing socio-economic challenges facing our country,” said Nedbank CE Mike Brown.
