The Political Science Department is proud to announce the winner of the DIRCO essay writing competition. Ms Lebohang Mathebula, a third year International Relations student within the Department, won the essay writing competition. As the winner for this competition, she was flown to Cape Town to attend the Minister’s 2016 Budget Speech vote. 

The topic for the competition was "Discuss some of the core benefits of our participation in FOCAC and how it will positively contribute to both the African continent and China”. Her essay focussed on the trade relations that South Africa has with China, and the fact that South Africa serves as a bridge between Africa and other continents. Her essay highlights that South Africa is in favour of African development. Promoting more relations with other African countries and China, will contribute to more development of infrastructure, employment, agriculture, economic cooperation, energy and natural resources. It will also contribute towards more economic cooperation on the African continent.