Nedbank and Old Mutual spotlight emerging economic leaders at the 54th Budget Speech Competition

Cape Town, 26 February 2026 - Nedbank and Old Mutual have announced the results of the 54^th Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition, celebrating next-generation economists whose work demonstrates rigorous analysis, originality, and a deep understanding of South Africa’s most pressing policy challenges.

This long‑standing national competition, now in its 54^th year, continues to serve as one of the country’s most credible platforms for developing future economic thinkers. Undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities across South Africa were invited to tackle real‑world policy questions aligned to the nation’s 2026 Budget Speech themes.

This year’s undergraduate entrants examined the role of trade protectionism, particularly in developing economies and the impact of higher import tariffs, in stimulating job creation, with a specific focus on South Africa. Postgraduate students critically evaluated South Africa’s inflation‑targeting framework, including the optimal lower target, implementation considerations and lessons from international experience.

As South Africa reflects on fiscal priorities, economic resilience and long‑term growth, the Budget Speech Competition amplifies the voices of young economists who are actively engaging with the same policy issues facing the Minister of Finance.

“The Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition reminds us every year that South Africa’s future is rich with talent and possibility. These young future economists demonstrate the curiosity, courage and analytical thinking that our country needs to navigate complex challenges. Nedbank is proud to help create a platform where emerging thinkers can step forward, be heard, and shape economic conversations,” says Jason Quinn, Chief Executive, Nedbank.

“Congratulations to all the finalists. Your dedication and insight are a testament to the promise and potential of South Africa’s youth. We celebrate not only your achievements today, but the leadership you are destined to bring to our country’s future.”

With every edition, the Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition continues to serve as a platform where ambition meets opportunity, and where the nation’s brightest young minds are challenged to think boldly about the country’s future. It has become a catalyst for possibility; inspiring students to push beyond the theoretical and engage directly in the economic conversations shaping our democracy.

Top achievers of the 2026 competition

The top achievers were announced at a gala dinner held in Cape Town on the evening of the National Budget Speech, where they also had the opportunity to interact with senior policymakers.

Top achievers recognised in the undergraduate category:

• Msindisi Lizani, University of Fort Hare
• Matlhatsi Jood, University of the Witwatersrand
• Ainsley Kelly Geduldt, University of the Western Cape

Top achievers recognised in the postgraduate category:

• Ashley Matandire, University of Cape Town
• Yolanda Gcaleka, University of Fort Hare
• Sikelelwa Magoda, University of the Witwatersrand

Msindisi Lizani, the undergraduate winner, said the competition challenged him to apply rigorous economic thinking while Sikelelwa Magoda, in the postgraduate category, described the experience as both intellectually demanding and deeply affirming.

“The Budget Speech Competition continues to elevate emerging economists while reaffirming Old Mutual and Nedbank’s shared commitment to strengthening South Africa’s intellectual capital and deepening informed public-policy dialogue. The 2026 top achievers illuminated fresh, thoughtful perspectives on the structural and macroeconomic challenges facing our nation, and demonstrated the kind of  socially attuned thinking essential for shaping South Africa’s future. The analysis demonstrated by this year’s top achievers reflects the necessary engagement with South Africa’s economic realities.” - Jurie Strydom, Group Chief Executive Officer, Old Mutual Group.

As the 54th edition concludes, the Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition once again underscores the transformative power of investing in young South Africans with the courage and capability to interrogate the country’s most complex economic questions.