Leading South African economist Dr Roelof Botha has good news for business delegates who will attend the Daily Dispatch Customer Innovation Summit next Thursday.
It may take a while but the economy is set to grow under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, especially if there is policy certainty and job creation.
The Pretoria-based former financial journalist said he would also “allay fears” regarding land reform.
“I would like to point out that it is unlikely to be expropriation without compensation. Land reform is necessary, but it is a lot smarter to do it without harming the economy.
“The threat is the most topical talking point; property developers are hesitant, farmers are selling their farms, we have relatively high interest rates and the construction industry’s output has declined in the first quarter, but I will allay fears in my talk.”
Botha, who is the son of former foreign affairs minister Pik Botha, said although “Ramaphoria” was a good thing and had led to an uptick in virtually all the confidence indices in the country, the president had also inherited some “major problems”, especially regarding the fiscal situation.
“There is not that much money and tax revenue is not gaining as much as it should,” said Botha.
“Corruption will take a long time to root out and there is still a lot of policy uncertainty.”
However, Botha said his presentation would offer a positive outlook on South Africa’s economic future.
“The commodity price cycle has improved, which is good for exports. Inflation is down substantially – 2.3% down in the last 16 months – and South Africa also has a new record figure of inbound overseas tourists, which is important for the Eastern Cape because it is a magnificent place.”
On the topic of tourism, Botha said the province should be more proactive, but that he would share good ideas for attracting tourists to the region. Botha, is an independent economist, an economic adviser to the Optimum Group and was an economic adviser to Pricewaterhouse Coopers for 28 years, said the disposable income of households had also reached a new high last year.
l The entry fee to the Daily Dispatch Customer Innovation Summit, which is being held in conjunction with SEDA, is R980 per delegate, with snacks and lunch included. Some keynote speakers will have their books for sale on the day of the event, which takes place on June 21 between 7.30am and 2pm.
For inquiries, or to reserve your space, go to www.dispatchsummit.biz or visit Twitter (@DispatchSummit), Facebook (dispatchlive) or visit www.dispatchlive.co.za
As an alternative to online bookings, contact (043)702-2090 or e-mail:
bookings@dispatch.co.za — barbarah @dispatch.co.za
Economist has ‘good news’ for summit
Leading South African economist Dr Roelof Botha has good news for business delegates who will attend the Daily Dispatch Customer Innovation Summit next Thursday.
It may take a while but the economy is set to grow under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, especially if there is policy certainty and job creation.
The Pretoria-based former financial journalist said he would also “allay fears” regarding land reform.
“I would like to point out that it is unlikely to be expropriation without compensation. Land reform is necessary, but it is a lot smarter to do it without harming the economy.
“The threat is the most topical talking point; property developers are hesitant, farmers are selling their farms, we have relatively high interest rates and the construction industry’s output has declined in the first quarter, but I will allay fears in my talk.”
Botha, who is the son of former foreign affairs minister Pik Botha, said although “Ramaphoria” was a good thing and had led to an uptick in virtually all the confidence indices in the country, the president had also inherited some “major problems”, especially regarding the fiscal situation.
“There is not that much money and tax revenue is not gaining as much as it should,” said Botha.
“Corruption will take a long time to root out and there is still a lot of policy uncertainty.”
However, Botha said his presentation would offer a positive outlook on South Africa’s economic future.
“The commodity price cycle has improved, which is good for exports. Inflation is down substantially – 2.3% down in the last 16 months – and South Africa also has a new record figure of inbound overseas tourists, which is important for the Eastern Cape because it is a magnificent place.”
On the topic of tourism, Botha said the province should be more proactive, but that he would share good ideas for attracting tourists to the region. Botha, is an independent economist, an economic adviser to the Optimum Group and was an economic adviser to Pricewaterhouse Coopers for 28 years, said the disposable income of households had also reached a new high last year.
l The entry fee to the Daily Dispatch Customer Innovation Summit, which is being held in conjunction with SEDA, is R980 per delegate, with snacks and lunch included. Some keynote speakers will have their books for sale on the day of the event, which takes place on June 21 between 7.30am and 2pm.
For inquiries, or to reserve your space, go to www.dispatchsummit.biz or visit Twitter (@DispatchSummit), Facebook (dispatchlive) or visit www.dispatchlive.co.za
As an alternative to online bookings, contact (043)702-2090 or e-mail:
bookings@dispatch.co.za — barbarah @dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos