Suid-Afrikaanse handels- en nywerheidsbeleid en hoe dit Suid-Afrikaanse besighede raak - Prof. Rachel Jafta .

Prof. Jafta gave the house a very interesting overview on the topic of South African trade and industrial policy and how South African businesses have been affected by these policies. She started with the background on South African trade policy before 1994, which was much confined, self-run and self-regulated. South Africa was producing for the local market to which the system setup was balanced between the producers and the consumers. Upon 1994, South African trade policies were faced with several challenges because now local SA businesses were exposed to global competitors. Policies had to change to conform to global standards and free far from isolation. At early stages of this introduction regional economic integrations such as SADC economic forum were highly put into consideration.

ABOUT PROF. RACHEL JAFTA

She is a Professor in Economics at the University of Stellenbosch. Her research interests are in industrial economics, economics of innovation, international trade and Black Economic Empowerment. She has also published in all these fields. She holds a B. Econ (Hons) from the University of the Western Cape, an M. Econ and a PhD (Economics) from the University of Stellenbosch.

2007/08 RECESSION

Prof. Estian Calitz and the "RECESSION" talk.
The 2007/08 financial crisis caused the biggest economic failure since the Great Depression. The crisis in the US subprime housing market spread throughout the globe and thus caused recessions in both the advanced and the developing economies. Factors that have led to the current recessions have been analysed and documented for future caution and indication. South Africa was affected by the crisis due to fall in exports. However, none of the SA financial institutions were liquidated due to the conservative regulations and financial policies. Prof. Calitz deeply explained what recession is, who was responsible and what lesson has been learnt.

A brief description of SIFE

SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) is an international non-profit organisation that has teams in higher education institutions across 40 countries; there are 26 teams in South Africa. The main purpose of SIFE is to mobilize students to make a difference in the communities they live in by initiating or involving themselves in community activities that aim to better the standard of living and the quality of life of community members while applying powerful and influential entrepreneurial concepts.
The University of Stellenbosch also has this team in place. Which has engaged and initiated projects headed under three (3) contexts that affect the community directly: Social, Economic/Entrepreneurial and Environmental. This is done through the collaborative efforts of the community members, students at the University of Stellenbosch, business advisors and other stakeholders. SIFE US has a simple and an effective ethos "we don't work for the community but rather with the community, by creating replicable alternative, instead of reinventing the wheel".

Understanding The Financial Crisis--For Kids and Grownups

                                   Understanding The Financial Crisis--For Kids and Grownups

Prof.Estian_Calitz

Estian Calitz  is currently a Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University in South Africa (2001-present). He is Former Director-General of Finance at the South African Government. He is Former Dean of Economic & Management Sciences and Executive Director of Finance at Stellenbosch University (2003-2007). He has also been a director of Unistel Group Holdings Company, Stellenbosch University (2003 – 2007).

Understanding the Financial Crisis - very well explanation!

Understanding the Financial Crisis - very well explanation!