Organisers of South Africa's accountancy Olympiad have defended the decision to exclude white students from taking part, saying the competition is aimed at changing the demographics of people employed in the profession.
According to the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), the Softline Pastel Olympiad is targeting black pupils at 40 schools in the Free State province.
Saica was forced to defend the competition after a parent complained that his daughter was not allowed to take part because she was white.
IOL.com reported that Rhett Kahn, whose daughter attends Welkom High School in the Free State province couldn't believe it when he saw a notice for entry to the Olympiad which stated: 'No white students are allowed to enter.'
'Our objectives are to try to change the demographic over-representation by whites and Indians in the sector,' said Natalie Zimmelman, project director for transformation at Saica.
The winners will be awarded bursaries to study accountancy at university.
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