Bridging the Divide in Economics | Economic Research Southern Africa

The ERSA Bridging the Divide in Economics initiative focuses on representativity and diversity in the South African economics profession. Last year, ERSA held the first series of webinars on this topic. You are now invited to a virtual discussion via Zoom on Thursday 8 April 3-5pm that builds on this webinar series.

The research presented in the webinars covered a range of topics, but can be broadly summarized under the following three points:

There are inequalities across space, race and gender that influence university degree choice.

These inequalities are present at all levels of education – primary and secondary schooling, and at university.

At the university level, females comprise the majority at the lower levels of study and academic staff but not at higher levels of study (masters and doctorate) and academic staff (associate professor and professor).

The discussion aims to develop a concrete strategy to address these issues, and to this end participants will be asked to share their ideas for programmes that can promote inclusiveness in the South African economics profession. The discussion further aims to identify important gaps in the research on the state and evolution of representation in economics in South Africa that can be addressed in future ERSA research workshops.

The discussion will be chaired by Elias Masilela, who is Chairman of the ERSA Board and Chairman of DNA Economics. He holds a BA Degree Social Science with the University of Swaziland, MSc in Economic Policy and Analysis with Addis Ababa University as well as several professional certificates with Harvard University. He has recently taken up the chairpersonship of the National Task Force on Impact Investing in South Africa.