For the Next Generation Economists
Team
Who We Are
Mbali Shamu
Co-Founder
Mbali Shamu is a Master of Commerce in Economics Candidate at Wits University, with majors in International Finance, Time Series Econometrics and Competition Economics. She is also a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of Finance Graduate, which has armed her with a solid background in Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics and Research. She is resilient, resolute, a team-player who enjoys a good challenge. In addition to providing thought leadership through writing she is also interested in projects that equip the youth with the skills and knowledge required to participate in the global economy.Mbali’s extra-mural interests include reading, photography, blogging, volunteering for community service and watching a good cricket match!
Panashe Maningi
Co-Founder
Panashe Maningi has a passion for learning, providing access to information, collaborating, and contributing towards innovative and impactful solutions that will foster sustainable development and address fundamental socioeconomic challenges. She is an Economics Researcher and Analyst specializing in public economics, fiscal policy and development economics. She is also skilled in business analysis and financial modelling. Panashe is a Masters in Economic Science candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand. She serves as a One Young World Ambassador and as an Ambassador at the Thuli Madonsela Foundation. Panashe enjoys good food, travel, music and a good workout at the gym!
Yasmin Meerholz
Writer
Yasmin is a Masters in Economic Science candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand. They were a finalist in the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. Yasmin has experience working in civil society and private sector consulting and is passionate about public economics, development and finance.
Mpumelelo Seilane
Writer & Editor
Mpumelelo Seilane holds a Masters in Economic Science which he obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand. His research interests include blockchain technology, banking, monetary policy and socioeconomic issues. He describes himself as a civilised savage and is passionate about cooking, weightlifting and great relationships.
Papama Meleni
Writer
Papama Meleni is currently pursuing a Master of Commerce (Mcom) in Health Economics at the University of Witwatersrand. Over the years, she has developed strong writing, editing, research, data collection and capturing as well as presentation skills. She has also developed a keen interest in research and writing, particularly in the field of Health, development, politics, economics, and social sciences. Papama is always eager to learn more about these topics and reading up on them which has made her become more knowledgeable. Research has enabled her to build expertise on a topic of her choice, whereas writing has assisted her to be able to comprehend what she has learned. Papama was a finalist in the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.
Bradley Magumura
Writer & Podcast Host
Bradley Magumura is an ambitious young individual with his mind set for philanthropy with current involvement in soup kitchen, a passion for childcare, food security for the needy and public speaking. He is driven about growth and economic equality. He is also a strategic thinker who is deeply interested in technological advancement. His passion for nutritional security led him to be one of the co-founders and CEO of Assegai Nutrition which at its core aims to improve the nutritional standards of Africa through smart foods and improved agriculture. For leisure Bradley enjoys games, music, travel, speaking, reading, hiking, watching and playing sport. Professionally, Bradley is a qualified accountant turned entrepreneur with a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Accounting and Auditing from the University of the Witwatersrand. This is mentioned last to show that there is a person outside of systematic education.
Lebo Siboyi
Writer & Editor
Lebo Siboyi is a junior economist. She holds a Bachelor of Economic Science honours degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is an ambitious, open-minded, and vibrant individual who is very passionate about poverty, economic growth, inequality and corruption and she loves taking on challenging and rewarding roles.
Samuel Osmend
Writer & Editor
Samuel Osmend is currently studying Economics and Politics and thoroughly enjoy discussing and debating the big issues and the state of the world. He has a passion for culture, history and language and always tries to explore how these factors link to the economy and society. He believes collaboration and dialogue between people always creates the best results and bringing out collective ideas in an accessible and innovative way is key to going forward.
Peter Anari
Writer
Peter Anari has an academic background in Liberal & African Sciences and Electronic Engineering. As a growing decision analyst, he believes that his career’s growth has been defined by his involvement in the tech space; having helped co-found disruptive startups that cut across finTech, insurTech and logistics. His soft skill sets are design thinking, quantitative reasoning, managing complex projects, and leading self and others. He currently runs PesaID - a cyber-security startup providing white label core banking software, eIDs and authentication services in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.
Jonathan Evans
Writer
Jonathan Evans is a student at Exeter University studying for a BSc in economics. He has a passion for reading and writing about economics, philosophy, and politics. He is particularly interested in public finance, behavioural economics, and macroeconomic issues and writes informative and engaging articles about these subjects. Besides reading, writing and his degree, Jonathan enjoys taking part in sports and socialising. He loves to box, play rugby, surf, and enjoys the odd pint at the pub. After university, he is aiming to have a career in economic analysis, primarily in public finance.
Kelebogile Mabitsi
Writer
Kelebogile Mabitsi is a Masters in Economic Science candidate at the University of Witwatersrand. Her passion for economics stems from her desire to see an improved South Africa. She is interested in International finance and trade, monetary policy and other topics related to macroeconomics. She describes herself as someone who is inquisitive and always looking to learn. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking, giving back to people and having endless conversations.
Buti Mthembi
Writer & Podcast Host
Buti Mthembi is a Junior Economist, holding an Honours degree In Economic Sciences with majors in International Finance, Econometrics and Mathematical Economics and he also holds a Bachelor of Sciences majoring in Mathematics and Economic Sciences both obtained at the University of the Witwatersrand. Buti possesses excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial internal and external relationships. He enjoys being part of, as well as managing, motivating and training, a successful and productive team, and thrives in highly pressurised and challenging working environments. Areas of interest are customer analytics and engagements, strategy, Economic research and policy analysis, trade policy analysis, international Economics, Sovereign Debt analysis, corporate Finance and investment analysis.
