17 February 2021 

Online seminar Overview: How South Africa lifts itself out of the pandemic-induced macroeconomic crisis is a societal debate with knock-on effects that are likely to last for years if not decades to come. The depth and scale of the macroeconomic contraction (with SA 2020 growth rate expected to average at - 7,5%) will not only cut fiscal resources available for equitable socioeconomic priorities. Recent National Treasury statements also warn of a looming sovereign debt crisis that call for rethinking long-term adjustments in how the state allocates its limited fiscal resources. What are the implications of a prolonged Covid-19 depression for government’s latest economic crisis response plan (Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan) and the longer-term National Development Plan (Vision 2030)? What policy options exist for sustainable and equitable macroeconomic reconstruction and recovery beyond Covid-19?  This event is part of a new HSRC initiative which promotes evidence-informed solutions to diverse macroeconomic puzzles that hinder transformational development in South Africa, our continent and beyond. The Dialogues also aim to strengthen cooperation with policy practitioners, academia and non-governmental stakeholders.  Policy Dialogue Panel: Dr Alexis Habiyaremye former Senior Research Specialist in Inclusive Economic Development (IED), HSRC  Dr Seeraj Mohamed is a Macroeconomics Expert on Financialisation Dr Gilad Isaacs is a Director at the Institute for Economic Justice Discussant: Prof. Fiona Tregenna holds the DST/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, and is a Professor of Economics at the University of Johannesburg For more information: http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/events/seminars/policy-options-beyond-covid19