Local & Global Affairs
Local & Global Affairs
Esteemed economist and media figure, delivering clear, insightful analyses on economic and political trends to audiences across South Africa and beyond.
Dr Roelof Botha completed the honours- and master’s degrees in economics via evening classes (cum laude) at the University of Pretoria and a Doctorate at the University of Johannesburg (erstwhile RAU).
Dr Roelof Botha has shared a platform with two Nobel Peace Prize winners
and is a previous winner of the Finmedia Economist of the
Year award. His eldest son (also Roelof) is the lead partner at
Sequoia Venture Capital in Silicon Valley, California, where he
co-founded PayPal & engineered the YouTube/Google
acquisition.
Professional experience (spanning more than 45 years) includes the following: economic policy advisor
at National Treasury; financial editor of a daily newspaper; senior lecturer in economics at various
Universities and chief economist of the SA Federated Chamber of Industries.
He has published more than 2,000 articles and research reports and more than 1,000 organisations
(companies, employer organisations and public sector institutions) have utilised his experience in
analysing key macroeconomic and socio-political trends in the Southern African region.
He is currently the economic advisor to the Optimum Investment Group and is the author of several
columns in national and regional publications, including Media24, BetterBond Property Brief and The
Bright Side, published by the international firm Currencies Direct.
Doc Roelof, as he is usually referred to, is well-known for his balanced perspective on South Africa’s
socio-economic prospects, which have improved considerably in the post-Covid era. The damage
inflicted on the country as a result of a decade of state capture and mismanagement of the economy
is slowly but surely being repaired, especially via a new economic policy approach that emphasises
public/private partnerships. The latter is expected to gain traction now that South Africa has a
government of national unity that is committed to free enterprise principles.
Recent accurate predictions include the GDP growth rate for 2023, the strength of the US exchange
rate in 2023, the sharp decline in South Africa’s inflation rate and the Springboks’ World Cup Victories
in 2019 & 2023! He has participated in various competitive sports, including soccer, cricket &
parachuting and is a member of the Gideons.
Esteemed economist and media figure, delivering clear, insightful analyses on economic and political trends to audiences across South Africa and beyond.
A distinguished political economy analyst, offering presentations that blend economic and political insights.
Multi-award-winning journalist and author, known for his world-class industry insights.
Political analyst, offering insight into the future of democracy in South Africa and internationally.
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