Grade 12 Budget Essay Competition learner, Motshidisi Potsane from Ithabeleng Secondary School recounting her journey in the budget competition
The top five (5) Grade 12 finalists from secondary schools in Mangaung Metro and Lejweleputswa Districts were selected from hundreds of essay applications submitted by learners across the province for the 2026 Provincial Budget Essay Competition.
The annual budget Essay Competition is led by the Department of Treasury. The learners had to submit an essay indicating how government should allocate R45 billion to support the green economy, create green jobs, and protect the environment.
The five girl learners who were selected underwent interviews, and were asked questions based on their written essays regarding the allocation of the provincial budget.
The girl learners who were the lucky top 5 invited for interviews are: Lethabo Mothofo from Calculus SS, Palesa Lethiba from Setjhaba se Maketse CS, Matshego Mochologi from Lekhulong SS, Kekeletso Mtshiwane from Seemahale SS in Mangaung Metro District and Motshidisi Potsane from Ithabeleng SS in Lejweleputswa District.
The overall winner of the competition, Motshidisi Potsane from Ithabeleng Secondary School in Wesselsbron, Lejweleputswa District, spoke about her journey through the competition and said: “ I received a lot of support from my teacher, Mr. Dube. Out of 145 learners, I was fortunate enough to be part of this competition. My teacher took me through the essay that I wrote and asked me possible questions to be able to go through the interview process towards the final stage of the competition. I am grateful for this opportunity because not everyone was lucky enough to be part of it.”
Addressing the learners and guests, MEC Dr. MJ Maboya said, “The Grade 12 Budget Essay Competition, led by the Provincial Treasury, is one of the most intellectually meaningful initiatives in our provincial education landscape. It challenges learners to move beyond memorizing economic theory and invites them to engage critically with the realities of public finance and economic policy.
Through this competition, learners were asked to analyze budgets, interpret fiscal decisions, and propose innovative ideas for sustainable development and economic transformation. This was no small task. Even seasoned economists spend years mastering the delicate balance between fiscal discipline, economic growth, and social investment. Yet here we are today celebrating young scholars who have begun to navigate these complexities with creativity and intellectual courage”.
Later in the evening, at the award ceremony, the learners were awarded and each received laptops, tablets and cash prizes. They will also have an opportunity to attend the provincial budget speech that will be tabled on 17 March 2026 at Bloemfontein City Hall.
Thank you to the sponsors of the Budget Essay Competition; Old Mutual, Nedbank and Vodacom for the support they always provide to learners in the Free State.
