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Now in its 14th year, the competition is supported by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA). The programme continues to expand its reach and impact, engaging more than 2 000 matric learners every year.
How the Challenge works
Each participating school nominates four Grade 12 learners with Economics and pure Mathematics as subjects. These four‑member teams, together with their educators, attend a full‑day workshop hosted by SARB economists and officials.
The workshop aims to strengthen their understanding of:
Learners also receive resources, data sets and expert support from SARB economists, some of whom are past participants of the MPC Schools Challenge.
Teams then prepare and submit an essay mirroring the format of an MPC statement. After an independent and audited adjudication process, top‑performing teams advance to the finalist stage.
Finalist teams present their MPC statement and interest rate decision to a panel of judges, demonstrating their understanding of global and domestic economic conditions. This is at an event jointly hosted by the Governor of the SARB and the Minister of Basic Education. The final round simulates a real MPC press conference, giving learners a practical and engaging experience of central banking and communication.
Prizes for winners
Members of the winning team each receive:
The winning school receives a cash prize and the educator accompanying the team wins a laptop.
All finalists ‒ learners, teachers and schools ‒ walk away with valuable prizes and recognition.
How to participate
Schools can join the 2026 MPC Schools Challenge by attending one of the provincial briefing sessions.
Click here to register or use the contact details provided below.
Watch the 2025 Winners' Announcement below
Highlights from previous challanges
