Unisa students shine at International Financial Security Olympiad in Russia

Eight University of South Africa (Unisa) students flew the South African flag high at the sixth International Olympiad on Financial Security, held in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Russia.

Competing against participants from more than 40 countries, the students demonstrated their academic capabilities in international relations, economics and jurisprudence (law), gaining valuable international exposure while engaging with some of the world’s most pressing financial security challenges.

The highlight of Unisa’s participation came when College of Law students Faith Makhubedu and Thato Mabasa each achieved an impressive 95% in the Jurisprudence track. Their outstanding performances earned them diplomas and tablets in recognition of their achievements.

Their success not only brought recognition to Unisa but also demonstrated the ability of students from an open distance e-learning (ODeL) institution to compete successfully on the international academic stage.

The eight students earned their places at the Olympiad after successfully progressing through preliminary and qualifying rounds, securing the opportunity to represent both the university and South Africa.

Before departing for Russia, the delegation met with Unisa Registrar Prof Moloko Sepota, who encouraged them to approach the competition with confidence, represent their institution and country with pride, and strive to return with an award.

The students took that encouragement to heart, with Makhubedu and Mabasa delivering exceptional performances in the law category.

Their achievements were particularly significant given the international nature of the competition, which brought together students from different academic disciplines and national backgrounds to test their knowledge and analytical abilities.

Beyond competing for recognition, the Unisa delegation had an opportunity to engage with fellow students, exchange ideas and broaden their understanding of financial security issues affecting countries across the world.

The International Olympiad on Financial Security provides a platform for young people to deepen their understanding of the complex challenges associated with protecting financial systems.

These include money laundering, terrorist financing, financial fraud and other forms of financial crime that increasingly transcend national borders.

Addressing such challenges requires cooperation across disciplines, particularly law, economics and international relations, as well as collaboration between countries and institutions.

College of Law students Thato Mabasa and Faith Makhubedu each achieved 95% in the Jurisprudence track at the sixth International Olympiad on Financial Security, earning diplomas and tablets in recognition of their performances.

Through their participation, the Unisa students were exposed to different perspectives on financial security and the importance of developing effective responses to financial crime.

The competition also provided an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to issues with real-world implications, reinforcing the relationship between higher education and the development of solutions to global challenges.

For the students, the experience extended beyond academic assessment. It offered opportunities to build international networks, learn from peers and gain a broader appreciation of the role that their respective disciplines play in promoting financial integrity and accountability.

Makhubedu and Mabasa’s achievements in the Jurisprudence track were a defining moment for the delegation.

Both students recorded scores of 95%, earning individual recognition for their strong understanding of the legal dimensions of financial security.

Their performances reflect the academic preparation and determination required to succeed in a competitive international environment.

For Unisa’s College of Law, the achievement demonstrates the potential of its students to apply their legal knowledge beyond the classroom and participate meaningfully in international discussions about financial crime and regulatory accountability.

It also highlights the importance of developing legal professionals who understand the increasingly interconnected nature of financial systems and the need for effective measures to combat illicit financial activities.

The students’ success resonates with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions, including efforts to combat illicit financial flows, corruption and organised crime.

By strengthening students’ understanding of these challenges, academic initiatives such as the Olympiad contribute to developing future professionals equipped to support transparent, accountable and resilient institutions.

The delegation’s participation reflects Unisa’s commitment to internationalisation, academic excellence and creating opportunities for students to engage with their counterparts across the world.

As an ODeL institution, Unisa provides access to higher education through a flexible learning model that enables students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their academic ambitions.

The performance of its students in Russia demonstrates that distance learning is no barrier to international academic achievement.

Their participation also supports the objectives of SDG 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education, by illustrating the opportunities that higher education can create for academic development and international engagement.

Through initiatives such as the International Olympiad on Financial Security, students gain exposure to global academic environments while contributing South African perspectives to discussions on shared international challenges.

The experience further strengthens the university’s international profile and reinforces the value of academic collaboration in preparing graduates to operate in an increasingly interconnected world.

For the eight students, the journey to Krasnoyarsk represented an opportunity to test their abilities, broaden their horizons and represent their university and country with pride.

While Makhubedu and Mabasa returned with individual honours, the entire delegation contributed to Unisa’s presence at the international competition.

Their participation reflects the determination, academic ambition and potential of Unisa students to make meaningful contributions beyond South Africa’s borders.

The university congratulates Makhubedu, Mabasa and their fellow delegates for representing Unisa and South Africa with distinction.

Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the broader student community and demonstrate that, with dedication and opportunity, Unisa students can compete and excel on the global stage.

* By Godfrey Mahloko, Collaboration Officer, Internationalisation and Partnerships Directorate