The North-West University Business School held their first face-to-face Think Tank in front of a live audience in Somerset West where the Minister of Finance’s national budget speech was analysed and unpacked by a panel of experts.

This initiative forms part of a series of roadshows that the school has in the pipeline for 2022. More 150 people attended the event in person, and 160 people also attended online.

The panel of experts included the likes of:

• Judge Dennis Davis (chairperson for the event);
• Prof Steven Friedman (research professor at the University of Johannesburg);
• Prof Raymond Parsons (professor of Economics at the NWU Business School);
• Mr Isaah Mhlanga (chief economist at Alexander Forbes);
• Mr Crispin Sonn (director of companies).

The NWU Business School’s Think Tanks and Pitso discussions are events that form part of initiatives where we aim to foster open and honest academic debate regarding pressing issues affecting business and society in South Africa.

According to the school’s chief director, Prof Jan van Romburgh, the mandate is to shape executive minds in Africa and to use this goal to increase the school’s footprint in Africa by hosting more of these hybrid events in the country and Africa. “We have an obligation towards stimulating the South African economy with our wide range of expertise and by creating possible solutions. These initiatives will also take the profile and reputation of the NWU Business School to the next level. We utilise these events to network and interact with thought leaders and influential people in South Africa and Africa.”