PRESENTATIONS
Dawie’s presentations consist of an overview of the current International and Domestic economic affairs. The presentation analyses recent global economic events and its impact on South Africa.
Special focus can be provided within this framework to specific countries/sectors/indicators. In general it is a specialised view of the global macro economy with Dawie’s individual opinion on certain situations as they happen.
Tax, Lies and Red Tape
Find out why: It’s wrong to blame Wall Street bankers for the global financial crisis; The rhino-horn trade should be legalised; Exempting anything from VAT is a bad idea, even for the poor; Job creation is a fruitless exercise; South Africa’s problem is not poverty.
Tax, Lies and Red Tape is an insightful, easy-to-understand, very opinionated book about economics by one of South Africa’s most experienced and controversial economists. Dawie Roodt argues that economics is not about numbers, graphs and statistics; it is about people, and about how they react to incentives. Unfortunately, our politicians seem to have forgotten this.
Using simple concepts and thought-provoking anecdotes, the book explains how ‘the market’ evolved with humanity, what was wrong with communism, what the global financial crisis is really about, the ways in which the state spends your money (and the ways in which it actually should), how tax is collected, how money and inflation really work, the ins and outs of trade, and the ups and downs of labour.
Dawie Roodt is one of South Africa’s most respected economists, with more than three decades of experience spanning macroeconomic policy, market analysis and strategic financial advisory. As Chief Economist and a founder of the Efficient Group, Dawie has played a key role in shaping national economic discussions, offering practical, research-grounded perspectives that help organizations anticipate change and make informed, long-range decisions.
His expertise is rooted in a rare combination of public sector experience, corporate advisory work and academic depth. Dawie began his career as a public sector economist, where he gained firsthand insight into fiscal policy, regulatory frameworks and government decision-making. Today, his leadership at the Efficient Group positions him at the center of critical conversations about South Africa’s economic direction, global market forces and the pressures influencing businesses across industries.
Dawie’s influence extends beyond boardrooms and policy circles. As a frequent commentator on national media, he translates complex economic developments into clear, accessible insights that resonate with corporate teams, executive leaders and public audiences. His opinions on monetary trends, inflation dynamics, policy reform and global macro shifts are widely respected for their accuracy, clarity and strategic foresight.
Dawie Roodt, leading economist speaker has over three decades of experience in the fields of macroeconomics and financial policy, Dawie has built an impressive career that includes both private and public sector contributions. As a sought-after keynote speaker, his unique insights into the South African and global economy resonate deeply with corporate and public audiences, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity and foresight.
Dawie Roodt’s expertise in economics is both deep and expansive, drawing from years of direct involvement in financial policy, corporate advisory roles, and academia. As the Chief Economist and a founder of the Efficient Group, he has leveraged his vast knowledge to shape some of the most influential economic discussions in South Africa. His work spans from policy analysis to market predictions, equipping businesses with the information they need to make strategic decisions. Dawie’s academic foundation and ongoing dedication to research keep him at the forefront of economic trends, ensuring he is continuously contributing to and shaping economic discourse on a national and global scale.
Dawie’s career highlights include his work as a public sector economist, as well as his leadership at the Efficient Group, which has allowed him to work directly with influential government figures and corporate leaders. This cumulative experience and exposure have solidified his role as a trusted voice on South African and global economic trends.
Dawie Roodt is an economic thought leader with unparalleled expertise in financial and economic matters. His engaging, clear presentation style, combined with his deep industry knowledge, make him a standout choice for events looking to empower audiences with the latest economic insights. By collaborating with Speakers Inc to book Dawie, event planners ensure an event that is not only professionally organized but also genuinely valuable to attendees.
Dawie’s presentations resonate long after the event, providing audiences with the tools and insights necessary for informed decision-making in an increasingly complex economic world.
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In this extended keynote, Dawie Roodt begins by grounding his economic outlook in his core values: personal freedom, private property rights and the belief that economics is ultimately about people rather than numbers. He explains that economists differ sharply because their values and theoretical lenses differ, so he first clarifies his own position before forecasting the decade ahead.
Dawie traces the historical evolution of economics by outlining the development of private property rights, starting 100,000 years ago with early human organization, then the domestication of animals and plants, and later the emergence of land ownership, specialization and political structures. He contrasts this with collectivist systems inspired by Marx and Lenin, noting how centrally controlled economies inevitably rely on coercion while free-market systems rely on voluntary exchange.
Turning to South Africa, he argues that the country is moving steadily leftward, with increasing state intervention and growing threats to private property rights. He cites constitutional interpretations, legislation and policy trends that erode ownership protections and create uncertainty for investors. Dawie highlights the deterioration of state-owned enterprises and collapsing public-sector capability as major threats to economic stability.
He then shifts to global macroeconomics, explaining unprecedented monetary experiments: near-zero interest rates, quantitative easing and suppressed bond yields. Dawie details the two fundamental economic laws he believes always hold: people respond to incentives, and all returns eventually converge. Using the bond market as a benchmark, he shows how suppressed yields distort all asset classes, inflating equity prices and widening inequality. He warns that once yields hit zero, central banks lose the ability to support financial markets, potentially creating conditions for a severe global downturn resembling the Great Depression.
Dawie walks through implications for South Africa, including currency pressure, rising inflation risk, limited monetary-policy options and structurally weak growth. He explains why job creation policies fail without economic expansion and why education outcomes remain a long-term constraint.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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