BLOEMFONTEIN – “Initiatives such as the Matriculant of the Year competition affirm to young people that their voices matter.”

This is according to Leoni Wessels, relationship executive at Absa Premium Business Banking, explaining the bank’s motivation for supporting the University of the Free State (UFS) and Novus Media’s competition. The first entries have already been received.

“When young people are given the opportunity to express themselves and receive recognition, it builds confidence, leadership and identity. In a country facing diverse challenges, this competition reassures young people that their background or circumstances do not define their future.”

‘It pushed me out of my comfort zone’

Two of last year’s finalists, Emile Dawson and Jané de Villiers, both medical students, agree that taking part in the final round significantly boosted their self-confidence.

“Taking part was a major stepping stone in building my confidence. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. I realised that to overcome stage fright, you simply have to stand up and start speaking,” says Dawson, a former learner of the William Pescod High School in Kimberley.

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For De Villiers, a former learner of Hoërskool Witteberg in Bethlehem, participating in the competition gave her the opportunity to discover a new and better version of herself.

“It took me beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone and gave my confidence an enormous boost.”

Meaningful journey, limitless potential

Wessels says the bank’s involvement in the competition reflects its commitment to being an active force for growth and progress in South Africa and across Africa.

“By supporting young people, we help make their stories visible and create opportunities for them to develop their potential. This aligns with our purpose of making a meaningful and tangible contribution towards building sustainable, thriving communities.”

The bank hopes its sponsorship will remind every finalist that their journey is meaningful and their potential is limitless.

“Through this platform, we want to help open doors, amplify their unique stories and inspire them to make an impact. We want them to leave believing that their story is only just beginning – and that it matters.”

ALSO READ: Matriculant of the Year | Competition cultivates leadership and opportunities

Wessels, who also serves as one of the competition’s judges, says the top candidates understand something very special: “They’re not trying to be someone else; they’re authentic – they embrace their own story!”

Dawson also encourages finalists to enjoy the experience and simply be themselves.

“Grab the opportunity and use it to get to know yourself better, challenge yourself and build lasting friendships. Dream big and enjoy every moment!” says De Villiers.

Both students also spoke about the friendships they formed during the competition, which made the transition to university much easier when they arrived on campus at the beginning of the year.

ALSO READ: Matriculant of the Year | Enter to gain the opportunity of a lifetime

Enter now

Matric learners from across the country who have excelled in academics, culture and sport, and who intend to study at the UFS next year, are invited to enter.

Scholarships and prize money worth approximately R500 000 are up for grabs for the top 25 participants, thanks to the sponsors UFS Student Recruitment Services, the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Forvis Mazars, Absa and Pick n Pay Preller Walk.

Learners may enter themselves or be nominated by their schools, provided the entry forms are signed by the school principal and bear the official school stamp. A total of 25 semifinalists will be selected, from whom 14 finalists will advance to the final round, to be held in Bloemfontein from 5 to 7 October.

The winner and finalists will receive prize money, scholarships and gifts, while the semifinalists will also receive prizes and scholarships.

Entries close on 31 July.

Scan the QR code or click here to download the entry form, complete it and return it to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za. She can also be contacted for more information.