Introducing the winners of the UFH Arch Thabo Makgoba Annual Lecture inaugural essay competition

In an impressive display of intellectual prowess, three students from the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Nontanda Bongoza, Tapiwa Mabhandi, and Christopher Bomali walked away with cash prizes as winners of the UFH Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Annual Lecture inaugural essay competition.

Introduced at the seventh installment of the lecture held earlier this week, the competition was opened to all students who were required to write an essay advising the Eastern Cape Premier on strategies to overcome the technical recession in the province.

After a rigorous adjudication process, the winners were announced as follows:

1^st place - Christopher Bomali, a BSc in Human Settlement graduate who is currently doing his first year in Sociology Masters studies.

2^nd place - Tapiwa Mabhandi, a BCom honours degree in Economics student.

3^rd place -  Nontanda Bongoza, a BCom honours degree in Economics student.

For his essay, first prize winner, Christopher delved into the province's economic performance over recent years, identifying critical factors leading to the technical recession. These include structural issues in the labor market, reliance on volatile sectors, and inadequate infrastructure.

His insightful and practical analysis offers a blend of short-term and long-term strategies to stimulate growth. The essay emphasizes the need for multifaceted approaches, including:

1. Infrastructure Development: Improving transport, energy, and ICT infrastructure to boost productivity and attract investment. This includes enhancing road networks, expanding the Port of Ngqura, and increasing access to broadband connectivity.
2. Support for Key Sectors: Revitalizing core industries such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing, and tourism through targeted support and innovation. This involves fostering partnerships with industry bodies and investing in research and development.
3. Employment Initiatives: Addressing the high unemployment rate, particularly among youth and women, by creating job opportunities and enhancing vocational training.
4. Sustainable Development: Promoting eco-friendly practices and renewable energy projects to ensure long-term economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

In implementing the vision, Christopher proposes a detailed implementation plan divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures. Short-term actions focus on immediate economic stabilization and infrastructure upgrades. Medium-term strategies include structural reforms and investment in human capital. Long-term goals emphasize sustainable development and inclusive growth.

“The recommended strategies should involve all strategic players, from the government to the private sector, civil society, and international players. Thus, keeping in mind the objectives of the immediate stabilization, medium-term structural changes, and long-term sustainable development of the Eastern Cape,” he recommended.

Congratulations to all three students for this remarkable achievement.