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.