The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is one of the departments of the government in South Africa, which is responsible for overseeing primary and secondary education within the country.
The SADC Secondary School Essay Competition was established in 1995, with the aim of recognizing the best Secondary School essay writing work, encouraging learners within the region to fully understand and live the values of the SADC.
The South African Development Community is an intergovernmental organization, headquartered in Botswana. The organization’s main aim is to achieve economic development, security, peace, and growth, and eliminate poverty whilst improving the lives of all people in South Africa through regional integration.
The Department of Basic Education is inviting students to apply for the SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, to win cash prizes.
Students from secondary school (high school) are invited to compete by writing an essay on the following topic “How can SADC promote Industrialisation for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth?”
The topic comes from the theme derived from the 42nd Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government: Promoting industrialization through, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth.
Winners of the competition will receive a portion of $1000 USD prizes, divided into the following amounts:
- 1st Prize: $500 USD (approximately ZAR 9000)
- 2nd Prize: $300 USD (approximately ZAR 5500)
- 3rd Prize: $200 USD (approximately ZAR 3500)
MORE ABOUT THE SADC ESSAY COMPETITION – GUIDELINES & SELECTION
Below is a list of questions provided by the SADC to aid you in responding to the aforementioned essay question. When compiling your essay, ensure that you address the questions/ topics listed below in your essay:
- In your own words, what is industrialization, and how does it relate to economic development? (this question is worth 10 points)
- The SADC region is highly committed to implementing activities and programs, specifically those that promote industrialization as it is essential to the region’s long-term socio-economic success. Provide 5 specific examples, explain their significance, and elaborate on how they contributed to the development of the region (this question is worth 20 points)
- What do you think are the focus areas in which you think the SADC region should intervene to maximize the execution of industrialization-based projects, and what are the barriers that are preventing industrialization and access to many markets within the area? (this question is worth 20 points)
- The SADC Industrialisation Strategy (from years 2015 to 2063) and Roadmap hope to encourage economic and technological transformation within the Region that emphasizes initiatives that build regional value chains. Elaborate on some of the priority areas for regional value chains development in the SADC region and relevant examples (this question is worth 25 points)
- The SADC hopes to create sustainable economic growth that is beneficial and can withstand challenges. In what ways have other sectors contributed to the increase in industrialization? Be sure to provide specific examples (this question is worth 25 points)
Successful candidates will receive an equivalent of the prize money in South African Rands, with the top three essays being forwarded to the SADC Secretariat for consideration in its regional competition.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SADC ESSAY COMPETITION
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must reside in South Africa
- You must currently be in secondary school (high school)
- You must be willing and able to travel
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SADC ESSAY COMPETITION
Students who meet all of the above criteria must apply by submitting their essays via email to: sadcessay@dbe.gov.za
The essay must be based on the following topic: “How can SADC promote Industrialisation for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth?” and should follow these guidelines:
- Your essay should be between 900 and 1000 words
- Your essay must be written in English
- Your essay must be in your own words and not written with assistance from anyone else
- Your essay must be in electronic version, submitted in Microsoft Word document format
- Your essay must be written in Arial font, with a 1.5-line spacing
- Your essay must state your full name as it appears on your Identity Document/ Passport
- Your essay must address the topic and promote the SADC’s Objectives and Common Agenda
CLOSING DATE FOR THE SADC ESSAY COMPETITION
28 April 2023.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE COMPETITION PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary program, please contact the DBE directly:
Contact Person 1: Mr. Lucky Maluleke
Tel: 012 357 3494
Email: maluleke.l@dbe.gov.za
Contact Person 2: Ms Zanele Rakumaku
Tel: rakumaku.z@dbe.gov.za
Email: 012 357 3485
Contact Person 3: Ms Matome Sekgota
Tel: sekgota.m@dbe.gov.za
Email: 012 357 3373
Demzyportal Category: Bursaries
