UKZN Academic Youngest Ever Member of Economic Society of SA Council

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Twenty-eight-year-old UKZN academic, Dr Ntokozo Nzimande has been appointed a council member for the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA), making him the youngest council member in the society’s history.

Nzimande, also the first KwaZulu-Natal member, is a lecturer in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance and a senior executive at the Macroeconomics Research Unit.

ESSA, which has only six council members, is a professional body of South African economists.

Speaking about his appointment, Nzimande said the position presented him with an opportunity to represent the views of South Africa’s young economists.

‘This is an interesting time for all economists in the country as we face up to the very real challenges of stagnant economic growth and high unemployment, among other issues. As young people, we are the ones who are deeply affected by these problems,’ said Nzimande.

‘Being part of the council will give me a chance to present the struggle and challenges faced by the youth and how they can be tackled through this society of economists. I’m very grateful to everyone, the ESSA members, the School and MRU for trusting and having faith in me. I’m also deeply indebted to my mentor Professor Harold Ngalawa,’ said Nzimande.

ESSA has about 900 members whose primary goal is to promote debate on economic issues, both theoretical and applied. Its council of six members is responsible for running the Society.

‘I’m the youngest member of the council, so career-wise there is a lot that I will learn from occupying this position,’ said Nzimande. ‘Moreover, I’ll gain leadership experience and learn more from the wisdom of the other council members, including some of the best practices not only in a leadership role but in the field of economics as well.’

Nzimande is currently seconded to Trade and Investment KZN where he will continue his work as a researcher and knowledge specialist until the end of the year.  

‘I’m working on a youth unemployment project at present with Professor Ngalawa and Dr Evelyn Derera, and also completing various research papers, including one titled: Income Convergence Clubs in SADC, which I presented at the recent ESSA conference.

‘I’m on a mission to inspire all young South Africans as our achievements are strongly correlated or linked to the amount of effort we put in towards the betterment of ourselves,’ he said.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied