Speaker Profiles

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• Professor Mohammed I. Jahed

  Professor Jahed holds a D Phil in Economics and has obtained experience and expertise in economic development, economic policy formulation and public and development management. Has served as senior economic planning specialist at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. He was appointed Deputy Director General: Office of the Premier Limpopo Province, responsible for economic growth and development, economic policy, economic planning, transformation and provincial administration. Prof Jahed joined the South African business sector representative group, the National Business Initiative, as Director of Economics. From 2003 to 2005, he was seconded by the South African Presidency as Chief Economist and Head of Policy, Strategy and Research of the NEPAD Secretariat. At present, Prof Jahed is Professor at the University of Witwatersrand in the Graduate School of Public and Development Management. Dr. Jahed teaches macroeconomic policy, economics and public finance and supervises Masters and Doctoral candidates.

• Mike Schüssler

  Mike Schüssler has been an economist for more than two decades and holds a Masters degree in economics from the University of Johannesburg. A successful entrepreneur and CEO of Economists Dotcoza. From unemployed to employer he earned his success over the past decade from working smart while believing in his abilities. He has been awarded the South African economist of the year - twice. Well known for his innovative research from Administrative prices to South African working life. Mike invented and maintains the Provincial Barometers which have been widely published and give insight into economic conditions on a regional basis – the first and only such indices in South Africa. He presents economics in an understandable and entertaining style. His presentations have impressed International chief executives and South African audiences ranging from farmers to financiers. He also advises and presents to pension funds. Principals and parents positively enjoyed his factual presentation on Education and the South African Work force over the last few years. Mike adapts his presentations were possible to suit the industry or audience and this is a strength that industry leaders have praised him for.   He is also a well-known economic commentator, who has been extensively quoted in foreign and local media over the last few decades.   Mike is married to Grethe and they stay in Johannesburg with son Rudi and two dogs, appropriately named Spitzy and Fuzzy Logic.

   

• Frederick Reinard (Frikkie) Brooks

  PERSONAL DETAILS Name : Frederick Reinard (Frikkie) Brooks Date and place of Birth : 30 December 1953 in Newcastle (KZN) Marital Status : Married to Anita and have three children QUALIFICATIONS Masters in Geography and Regional Development Studies – University of Pretoria Masters in Public Management – University of Pretoria   HIGHLIGHTS OF CAREER (1) PREVIOUSLY (a) Geography Teacher and School Principal (1979-1989) (b) Chief Executive Officer of the KwaZulu/Natal Joint Executive Authority (JEA) (1993-1994) (c) Member of the Ingonyama Trust (1998 – 2009).   (2) CURRENTLY: (a) General Manager: Municipal Planning with the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (KwaZulu/Natal) since 1996. Responsible for: Municipal Strategic Planning (IDPs); Spatial Planning (SDFs, Land Use Management and Statutory Planning Applications); and Provincial Planning and Development Commission; and  (b) Member of the Provincial Spatial Economic Development Strategy Task Team (PSEDS) of the Provincial Economic Cabinet Technical Cluster.