How can South Africa balance the Covid-19 pandemic and avoid an economic disaster?
July 2, 2021The lockdowns have decimated the economy and economic gains made since the first and second waves subsided are rapidly reversing. How can South Africa balance the Covid-19 pandemic and avoid an economic disaster? Professor of 4IR practice at the University of Johannesburg Dr. Mirriam Altman explains.
An SA economist’s view: Digital transformation needs government leadership
March 5, 2021While private enterprises are at the forefront of the digital transformation necessary for economic growth, governments need to take more of a leadership position, investing in human-resource development and establishing public-private partnerships to tackle fundamental issues such as infrastructure and training, according to Dr. Miriam Altman, who among other roles acts as a National Planning Commissioner for the South African Presidency.
Altman’s website describes her as a “strategist, economist and social activist” who has served in leadership roles driving significant transformation initiatives. Previously the chief of strategy at South African telecommunications provider, Telkom, Altman is, in addition to her work for the South African Presidency, a professor of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Practice in the School of Economics at the University of Johannesburg and runs her own company, Altman Advisory, which develops market strategies for the public and private sector.
With this reach, Altman has a bird’s eye view of how digital technologies are making an impact across society.
Covid tightrope: Balancing society’s needs and the economy’s security
November 25, 2020How does our government strike a balance between allowing us as citizens to enjoy the festive season and all that comes with it, without risking a second Covid-19 wave that could be fatal to our economy?
Economy sinks further into junk status
November 21, 2020The country’s investment rating has shrunk even further. Moody’s Ratings agency slashed the country’s investments to BA-TWO with a negative outlook and Fitch also slashed the investment grade to BB-minus. For more, Thembekile Mrototo spoke to economist, Miriam Altman.
Can SA afford a second wave of Covid-19?
November 16, 2020Last Wednesday, the president opened international borders and allowed alcohol to be sold during the weekend, for the sake of the economy. A potential second wave of #COVID19 is looming. Today, we ask: will we be able to deal with it? And, can our country afford it?
Dr Miriam Altman at Africa Tech Festival
November 10, 2020Government and labour still poles apart ahead of key MTBPS
October 27, 2020How viable is the economic recovery plan
October 16, 2020President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled his economic recovery plan which aims to increase growth to around 3% on average over the next decade. The plan promises among other things the creation of 800, 000 jobs, reliable energy supply and infrastructure development. Business Day TV spoke to Miriam Altman, Commissioner in the National Planning Commission of the SA Presidency on the viability of the plan.