Dr Roelof Botha
Dr Roelof Botha earned his honours and master’s degrees in economics (both cum laude) through evening classes at the University of Pretoria and completed his doctorate at the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU).
He has shared platforms with two Nobel Peace Prize laureates and is a former recipient of the Finmedia Economist of the Year award. His eldest son, also named Roelof, is the lead partner at Sequoia Venture Capital in Silicon Valley, California, where he co-founded PayPal and facilitated the YouTube acquisition by Google.
Dr Botha's professional career spans more than 50 years and includes roles such as economic policy advisor at the National Treasury, financial editor of a daily newspaper, senior lecturer in economics at various universities, and chief economist of the SA Federated Chamber of Industries.
He has authored over 2,000 articles and research reports, with more than 1,000 organisations—including private companies, employer associations, and public institutions—leveraging his expertise to analyse key macroeconomic and socio-political trends in Southern Africa.
Currently serving as the economic advisor to the Optimum Investment Group, Dr Botha contributes regular columns to national and regional publications, including Media24, Die Burger, BetterBond Property Brief, and The Bright Side, published by the international firm Currencies Direct.
Affectionately referred to as "Doc Roelof," he is known for his balanced outlook on South Africa’s socio-economic prospects, which have seen notable improvement in the post-Covid era. The damage caused by a decade of state capture and economic mismanagement is being progressively repaired, driven in part by a new economic policy focus on public-private partnerships. These partnerships are expected to gain momentum under South Africa's government of national unity, which is committed to free enterprise principles.
Dr Botha's recent accurate predictions include the GDP growth rate for 2023, the resilience of the US dollar exchange rate since 2023, the significant declines in South Africa’s bond yields and inflation rate, and the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr Botha has participated in competitive sports, including football, cricket, and parachuting. He is also an active member of the Gideons.
Events that was hosted by Dr Roelof Botha
| Event | Start Date | CPD Hours | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of the 2025 Budget | 21 February 2025 | 2 Hours |
Coming Soon
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Resources On-Demand presented by Dr Roelof Botha
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| No Webinars Available |