Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am South African born and raised. I have lived in a number of regions in the country but Pretoria is where I call home.
I am currently employed, working for Old Mutual Emerging Markets. I studied Chemical Engineering at UCT and have a keen interest in issues relating to development and economics.
What did you study on the LSE-UCT July School?
I chose Economic Challenges for African Development – a course reviewing African economic strategies and whether they have served as good foundations for growth. For me it meant exploring a range of macroeconomic issues and drivers for growth.
It meant looking at Africa historically and debating past and current policies and offering a prospective view on sustainable development.
I chose the course because coming from a science background, I wanted to do an economics course as a method of understanding social sciences, the impact different industries and the economy have on people and development as a whole.
I've always had an interest in finance and economics, and the course directed my interests a bit more. It's spurred an interest to do my master's.
I loved the course because it was very engaging. We engaged in great debates all the time and this gave students the platform to speak about their personal experiences and views and more importantly to learn from others.
How was your experience of Cape Town?
I know Cape Town very well but every time I come back I am still struck by the beauty of the landscape, the friendly people and everything unique about Cape Town from the markets to the restaurants and winelands.
The university undoubtedly offered me an enriching learning experience. It is quite an experience to gaze upon a beautiful landscape while pondering economic theories. The university is very evidently a world class university with academic staff that are dedicated to going beyond the classroom.