The South African Reserve Bank published Governor Lesetja Kganyago’s address reviewing the 2026 Monetary Policy Committee Schools Challenge, which gives eligible matriculants practical experience in monetary policy decision-making. Ten teams reached the final stage after 184 schools submitted essays explaining simulated policy rate decisions. More than 1,800 learners from 366 schools attended preliminary briefings. Finalists presented and defended their decisions before a judging panel, while senior central bank economists assessed the essays under a process moderated with education-sector representatives.