Bright spark wins bursary

Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The winner of a province-wide essay writing competition, Aviwe Ncwele (17) of Thembalethu High, is super excited about her prize - a full bursary to enroll for a three year bachelor of commerce degree in accounting (B Com Accounting).

Aviwe received this top honour by wowing the panel of judges with her argument on the pros and cons of the 2019 minimum wage increase to R20 per hour.

"I am extremely happy and relieved, I know now that at least my future is secure," said the 17-year-old. "It is such a relief and exciting at the same time."

The competition was held by Nedbank, Provincial Treasury and the Western Cape Department of Education, and aimed at learners who want to pursue careers in maths, economics and accounting.

On top of the good news, Aviwe received a certificate from her school principal Norman Cona during an award ceremony last Friday, 22 October, for "Best performance in Grade 12 in 2021".

Economics teacher Nomonde Tyeke-Nkonqa recalls how Aviwe came to see her personally about the essay writing competition. "She asked me to please enter her essay for the competition. The whole class took part, but in the end we only entered two essays. Aviwe is a hard-working and dedicated student. I wish her the best for her future."

Watch: Aviwe Ncwele is the proud winner of a bursary

Aviwe has been preliminarily accepted for a three-year B Com Accounting degree at the University of Stellenbosch. She also applied to the University of the Western Cape. "I have never been to Stellenbosch," said the Grade 12 learner when asked about her future plans. "It is a big adventure."

Change of heart

When she started high school, Aviwe was still set on her former plans of becoming a lawyer. "But in Grade 9, I met a new subject, economics management science, and it was a combination of all the things I liked. I decided then that I would rather pursue a career in economics."

Aviwe and the rest of the country's matrics all started their final year exams on Wednesday 27 October. She will be writing economics on 9 November.

"My parents, Noludwe and Bandase Ncwele, are very proud of my achievement," said Aviwe. "I am the second eldest of five children. My older sister, Siphumeze (19), is the one who helped me type with her laptop."

Aviwe in high spirits after hearing her good news.

The argument

"My essay is my own assessment of the content as published in our text books. I also researched some graphs," said Aviwe. "My argument is that the increase in the minimum wage is good, but at the same time it has a tremendous effect on the economy.

"The standard of living will increase and there will be an increase in consumption, which will make the economy grow. Consumption and spending are what drive the economy. But, with a wage increase, many would lose their jobs due to retrenchment."

Aviwe Ncwele (17) and her economics teacher Nomonde Tyeke-Nkonqa. Photo: Michelle Pienaar