GSB&L’s Business Forum analyses the South African economy

Seen at the Business Forum: The panellist,
Professor Patrick Bond, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu,
Mr Lesiba Seshoka, Mr Jacob Twala, Mr Owen
Nkomo and Professor Stephen Migiro.

UKZN’s  Graduate School of Business and Leadership’s Business Forum panellists Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu (MEC: Economic Development and Tourism, KZN) Professor Patrick Bond (Director: Centre for Civil Society, UKZN), Mr Owen Nkomo (Executive Partner: Inkunzi Investments) and Mr Jacob Twala’s (Economic Specialist: KZN Provincial Treasury) views under the theme: “The South African Economy – 20 Years and Beyond” left the audience with a better understanding about the elements involved in growing and stabilising the economy.

The informative debate which was facilitated by UKZN’s Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Mr Lesiba Seshoka created a platform to scrutinise and unpack the issues surrounding the state of the South African economy.

During his speech, Mabuyakhulu explained government’s strategies and plans for economic development in line with the National Development Plan, an inclusive economy that stimulates growth and the need for partnerships.

Nkomo delivered a presentation titled: SA Economy, 20 years gone, How do we prepare for tomorrow. Twala spoke on the structure of the KZN economy while Bond delivered Bond delivered a presentation on foreign forces destabilising the economy.   

These presentations sparked a robust debate amongst the panel and the audience which included members of the media, postgraduate students and business practitioners who all had different views about the rumours of South Africa heading for a recession, the effect of the protracted strike in the platinum sector, accountability of political leadership and lack of funding for small businesses.

The engagement not only highlighted the need for more events of this nature but it also identified areas of research that students can explore and opened a channel for the audience to identify ways they can contribute in the economic strategies and plans for the future development of the South African economy.