For a provocative keynote that provides a balanced and authoritative perspective on South Africa’s economic and political outlook – mingled with a delightful and always welcome sense of humour – Dr. Roelof Botha (son of the late, former Foreign Minister ‘Pik’) will add an insightful and though-provoking element to any corporate gathering.

His past experience as an economic policy advisor at National Treasury and regular discussions with political analysts (including his father, who served in the late Nelson Mandela’s first Cabinet) also allow him to provide sensible reflections on the policy environment, in general, and the likely implications of the imminent leadership change in Government, in particular.

Roelof received his early schooling in Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, Christiana in the North West Province, as well as in Cape Town and Pretoria.

Post-graduate qualifications include Honours and Master’s degrees in economics (cum laude) at the University of Pretoria, and a Doctorate at the University of Johannesburg.
A seasoned veteran of the economics fraternity in South Africa, Dr. Botha has more than 40 years’ experience as a lecturer, financial editor of a daily newspaper, economic policy advisor at National Treasury, columnist for various publications, researcher and as a public speaker.

He has shared a platform with two Nobel Peace Prize winners, has authored more than 500 articles, research papers and books, and has received the prestigious Finmedia Economist of the Year award, based on the accuracy of forecasts of key economic indicators.

Dr. Botha teaches economics (part-time) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and is the Economic Advisor to the Optimum Financial Services Group.

He has participated in competitive cricket, soccer (also as a coach) and sky-diving and is a member of the Gideons.

His eldest son – who has the same name – is a partner at Sequoia Venture Capital in Silicon Valley, where he co-founded PayPal and engineered the YouTube/Google acquisition.