Minister Mboweni's game-plan under scrutiny in pre-budget discussion

RBS Pre-Budget Discussion 2020 - Johannesburg. From left to right: Vikesh Rampadarath (Associate Director – RBS); Mr Emile du Plessis (Senior Economist - Standard Bank); Mr Ashraf Garda (Media Host, Radio Presenter - SAfm); Ms Samke Mhlongo (Founder and Chief Executive of TNC Wealth Partners); Dr Samododa Fikeni (Political Analyst); Prof. Ahmed Shaikh (MD - RBS); Dr Martyn Davies (MD of Emerging Markets- Deloitte); Prof. Dhiru Soni (Director: Research & Innovation - RBS)

Speaking during a Davos-style, audience-interactive discussion at the Killarney Country Club on 19 February 2020, the panel, moderated by seasoned media host and talk radio presenter, Ashraf Garda, sparked robust discussions by sharing insights, short- and long-term forecasts and critical analyses of the measures that government needs to implement to band-aid our challenged economy.

The panel comprised one of South Africa’s most sought-after political analysts and social commentators: Dr Somadoda Fikeni, Senior Standard Bank economist; Emile du Plessis, Managing Director of Emerging Markets & Africa at Deloitte and Dean of the Deloitte Alchemy School of Management; Dr Martyn Davies; and Founder and Chief Executive of The Next Chapter (TNC) Wealth Partners, Ms Samke Mhlongo.

The experts initiated stimulating dialogue that included the concerning status of state-owned enterprises, particularly Eskom and SAA, the economic impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, weak GDP growth, foreign investment, inclusive development, crime, corruption, and poor financial management on the part of government. The analytical and political banter triggered critical engagement with audience members, with non-attendees contributing to the discussion via digital immersive channels.

“As one of the leading Business Schools, REGENT Business School believes in providing multiple platforms that serve as a conversation catalyst so all stakeholders can start having critical discussions geared towards creating a better South Africa for all,” explains Professor Ahmed Shaikh, Managing Director of Regent Business School. “Our pre-budget panel discussion is heavily aligned to our broader strategy of empowering students for employability and has evolved into one of the most-anticipated highlights in our academic calendar. The aim is to provide transparent spaces for high-calibre participants to spearhead and channel lively debate, and for future decision-makers and thought-leaders to engage with industry specialists and key analytical minds.”

Opinions, forecasts and healthy debate aside, panellists and guests agree that Finance Minister Tito Mboweni faces formidable challenges as he works on the finer details, before formally tabling his Budget in Parliament on 26 February 2020.

*About Regent Business School

Since 1998, Regent Business School (RBS) has been at the forefront of premium management education across the continent. Headquartered in South Africa, RBS’s acclaimed finance and management programmes have helped individuals and organisations build and sustain competitive advantages in a rapidly changing, complex business environment. With campuses in all major hubs including Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria, as well as in SADC countries, Swaziland and Namibia, the institution’s alumni base of 5,000 is rapidly expanding. RBS’s four leading centres for excellence - The Institute of Entrepreneurship, The Centre for Islamic Finance and Banking, The Centre for the BRICS Business Schools Association, and The Centre for Public Sector Administration Management and Innovation – are popular with high performers who are serious about making positive, impactful change within the global finance and management sectors.

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**About Honoris United Universities

Honoris United Universities is the first pan-African private higher education network committed to preparing and educating the next generation of African leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalised world. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility and mobile mindsets and skills are at the heart of Honoris’ vision of higher education.

Honoris United Universities joins the expertise of its member institutions to create pan-regional profile graduates that are competitive in today’s fast-paced and demanding labour markets.

Honoris United Universities gathers a community of 27,000 students on 48 campuses, learning centres and online, in nine countries and 30 cities across Africa. More than 100 degrees are offered in the fields of Health Science, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Arts and Design, Media, Education and Political Science.

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