1. The promoter

Nedbank Limited, registration number 1951/000009/06 and Old Mutual Limited, registration number 2017/235138/06 (we, us, our), run this competition.

 

2. Competition period

The competition entries open on 20 August 2026 and will close on 31 October 2026 (competition period).

 

3. Who can and cannot participate in the competition

3.1 The following students are eligible to enter:

1. Full-time or part-time students.
2. Postgraduate or undergraduate students.
3. Students registered for an economics course at any recognised South African institution for higher learning (including the Military Academy and the Universities of Technology).

3.2 Category winners from previous years are not eligible to re-enter their category in subsequent years.

3.3 However, undergraduate category winners may enter the postgraduate category when eligible.

3.4 Nedbank and Old Mutual staff (including temporary and contract employees) or their business partners or immediate family (spouse, partner, parents, siblings and children, including adopted children, but not step or half relations), directors, members, associated companies, agents, contractors, consultants, sponsors or marketing service providers are not eligible to enter.

3.5 Entrants may enter each category more than once during their university careers.

3.6 In the postgraduate category only Honours or first-time Master's students may enter. Entrants must be South African citizens or citizens of any of the following countries: Botswana, eSwatini, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

3.6.1 Any person who does not meet the eligibility criteria set out in clause 3.1.

 

4. How to enter

4.1 To stand a chance to win the prize, you must do the following during the competition period:

1. Register on the official Budget Speech Competition website at www.budgetspeechcompetition.co.za and complete the prescribed online entry form.
2. Submit the required eligibility verification documentation during registration.
3. Complete any mandatory competition phases or activities communicated by us.
4. Submit an essay through the official competition platform before the published closing date once the essay topics have been uploaded for each category.
5. We reserve the right to reject or disqualify any entry that does not comply with these Terms and Conditions or the competition requirements.
6. Entries must be made by the participant personally and must not be submitted via automated means or on behalf of another person.

 

5. The prize

5.1 Participants stand a chance to win the following in respect of each category:

5.2 Undergraduate Category

• 1st Prize: R100 000
• 2nd Prize: R80 000
• 3rd Prize: R60 000

5.3 Postgraduate Category

• 1st Prize: R180 000
• 2nd Prize: R130 000
• 3rd Prize: R80 000

 

6. Selection of the winners

6.1 All eligible entries will be evaluated by the Competition's appointed judging panel in accordance with the prescribed adjudication process. Winners will be selected based on the highest overall scores achieved against the following assessment criteria:

• Problem Statement / Introduction: 10%
• Content, Development of Argument and Organisational Structure: 60%
• Original Ideas and Recommendations: 15%
• Conclusion: 10%
• Mechanics (including language usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling): 5%

6.2 Essays must be the participant's original work and comply with published guidelines.

6.3 We may conduct plagiarism and authenticity checks.

6.4 Finalists may be required to provide a copy of their ID/passport and recent academic record.

6.5 Failure to do the following may result in disqualification:

• Provide requested documents within the prescribed timeframe.
• Comply with format requirements.
• Misrepresentation of authorship, plagiarism, prohibited AI use, or any other integrity breach.
• Complete mandatory competition phases or activities.

6.6 The entries receiving the highest overall scores will be selected as winners.

6.7 Prize money will be paid into the verified bank account of the winner(s) within 30 business days.

6.8 Prize money is not transferable. If declined, another winner may be selected.

6.9 All other costs or expenses relating to the prize money awarded are excluded.

6.10 We will not be responsible for delays in redeeming the prize money.

6.11 We will not be responsible for additional conditions imposed by third parties.

6.12 Prize money will only be awarded to verified winner(s).

6.13 We will not be liable for delays or failure to deliver prizes due to circumstances beyond our control.

6.14 We reserve the right to verify information and request supporting documentation.

6.15 We reserve the right not to make an award in a category if no entry meets the required standard.

6.16 Applicants consent to the processing of personal information for adjudication purposes.

6.17 We reserve the right to withdraw an award if a winner cannot be contacted or verified.

6.18 Applicants must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.

6.19 Participation may be suspended or terminated if conduct exposes us to legal, regulatory or reputational risk.

6.20 The judging panel's decision is final.

6.21 In the event of a dispute, the decision of the judges will be final and binding.

6.22 Employees of Nedbank Group, Old Mutual and their immediate families are not eligible to apply.

6.23 We reserve the right to amend these conditions, including substituting the prize.

6.24 Failure to exercise any right under these terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right.

 

7. General

7.1 All information published on competition material forms part of these terms and conditions.

7.2 By entering the competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

7.3 These terms and conditions are available on budgetspeechcompetition.co.za throughout the competition period.

7.4 If you win, we may ask you to endorse, promote, or advertise our services without payment. You may decline and still receive the prize.

7.5 Personal information will be shared only as necessary for the competition and processed according to South African law.

7.6 We may extend, shorten, or cancel the competition where permitted or required by law or circumstances beyond our control.

7.7 We and our agents will not be liable for direct or indirect loss, damage, injury, costs or death arising from participation in the competition.

 

8. More information

For more information about the competition, email us at queries@budgetspeechcompetition.co.za .