Roelof Botha
Since then, Roelof Botha has followed a diversified career in management accounting, financial journalism, lecturing, economic research and consulting. Numerous opportunities have been utilised to contribute to the formulation of macro-economic policies within several of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, especially via projects commissioned by the European Union and other international donor agencies. He is a regular commentator & columnist on topical macroeconomic issues (in the national and regional media) and has authored more than 500 articles, books and research publications. Currently, he writes columns for two national publications and he has assisted more than 300 local, regional and international companies & organisations with strategic insights into the socio-economic environment of Southern Africa.
His Honours and Masters degrees were both obtained cum laude at the University of Pretoria, whilst the Doctorate was completed at the University of Johannesburg. He was granted three achievement bursaries and won two academic excellence awards during his studies. Sporting activity has included premier league soccer (as a player and coach, at amateur level), cricket, tennis and sport parachuting.
In 2005, he received the prestigious Finmedia Economist of the Year award, based on the accuracy of forecasts of key economic indicators and he has been an economic advisor (part-time) to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the past 18 years. Combined with teaching courses in applied macroeconomics at the University of Pretoria, the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU), the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and Tshwane University of Technology, this has ensured continued exposure to decision-makers in virtually all of South Africa‘s economic sectors.
Areas of expertise include overviews and forecasts of key economic indicators (e.g. exchange rates, interest rates, GDP growth and capital formation); sector-specific analysis of demand and supply conditions; macro-economic impact assessments; trends with regard to emerging markets & developing economies (particularly in Southern Africa); and the domestic and international socio-political milieu.
As a seasoned veteran of the public speaking circuit in Southern Africa, Dr Botha has managed to captivate audiences with his unique style of blending the serious matters of economics and politics with the lighter side of life. Most of his presentations are regarded as broadly motivational, in terms of highlighting research that confirms numerous positive structural changes in the South African economy, including an objective reflection on the prospects for sustained growth & development and the enhancement of socio-economic stability in the SADC region.