Paarl school learners are on the money

Paarl Girls’ High School emerged as the winners of the 2023 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Schools Challenge.

It was a proud moment for the school when the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago, and Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, announced the economics team consisting of Eloïse Opperman, Anopaishe Gowero, Lara Rabe and Meghan Damonse as the winners.

The MPC Schools Challenge has been running since 2012 and aims to promote interest and deepen an understanding of the SARB’s mandate among high school learners. This year there were 181 entries.

Minister Motshekga said The MPC Schools Challenge provides a platform where theoretical knowledge meets practical application. “Learners gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of complex concepts by simulating real-world scenarios."

The Challenge starts with groups of four Grade 12 Economics and Accounting learners from each school writing an essay on monetary policy. Following an audited adjudication process, teams are shortlisted for a second round in which they role-play an MPC meeting and provide a reason for their decision on interest rates. They must contextualise the global and domestic economic situation and the reason for their decision based on relevant economic data and information. The learners then present their decision and supporting arguments to a panel in a format that mirrors the actual MPC press conference, which the Governor hosts every second month.

The SARB rewarded the learners’ hard work since the start of the process in February with a cash prize, an iPad and a full bursary for their studies.

The school thanked the SARB and the DBE for the life-changing opportunity and expressed gratitude to the Economics teacher Elmari Basson who has guided and supported the team every step of the way.