About Dawie Roodt
Dawie Roodt is a founder, Director and Chief Economist of the Efficient Group, where he serves on several investment committees and remains closely involved in economic research and strategy development. With more than three decades of experience in economic and political analysis, Dawie is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most referenced economists.
He specialises in monetary and fiscal policy and has developed one of the most comprehensive models of government finance in South Africa, covering revenue, expenditure, fiscal deficits, debt and broader macro economic dynamics. His work is regularly referenced by institutional investors, corporates, policymakers and the media.
Dawie is also Chairman of Efficient Private Clients, a majority owned subsidiary of the Efficient Group, where he contributes to long term investment thinking and asset allocation strategy.
Career Highlights
Dawie holds a Master’s degree in Economics (cum laude) and began his career as an economist at the South African Reserve Bank. Over the years, he has combined academic rigour with practical experience across broadcasting, publishing and strategic advisory roles.
His career includes:
- Economist at the South African Reserve Bank
- Economic editor at a national financial publication
- Columnist for multiple publications
- Former member of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and NEDLAC
- Member of the Institute of Directors of South Africa
- Councillor of the South African Institute of Race Relations
- Councillor of the World Farmers Organisation
- Director of the Free Market Foundation
- Frequent guest lecturer at universities locally and internationally
He has presented more than 1,000 television programmes and 1,500 radio programmes, and served as the anchor presenter of Ontbytsake for nearly two decades.
Recognition and Achievements
Dawie has received several honours and accolades in recognition of his contribution to economic commentary and public discourse, including:
- Economist of the Year award by Media24
- Honorary membership of the Golden Key International Honour Society
- Lifetime honorary membership of the Zoological Society of South Africa
- National colours for powered paragliding
- Author of Tax, Lies and Red Tape (2013)
Outside of economics, Dawie has represented South Africa in international sporting events and maintains a strong interest in endurance sport and academic study, reflecting his disciplined and analytical approach beyond the professional sphere.
Family and Personal Values
Dawie is married to Marina, a veterinarian, and is a proud father of four children. Family plays an important role in his life and continues to inform his grounded, long term perspective on economic policy, governance and sustainable decision making.
Speaking Engagements and Public Commentary
Dawie is a sought after keynote speaker and commentator, known for his ability to translate complex economic issues into clear, practical insights for business leaders, boards and the broader public. His commentary spans:
- Fiscal and monetary policy
- South African economic outlook
- Global economic trends
- Government finance and public policy
- Political and economic risk analysis
He regularly appears across television, radio and print media, and is available for corporate events, conferences, panel discussions and strategic briefings.
Interests and Sport
- Amateur ichthyologist
- Actively takes part in a variety of sport
- Completed his first Comrades Marathon in 2015, and his second in 2016
- Finished numerous marathons including, 2017 Baikal Lake Ice Marathon, 2018 Berlin Marathon, 2019 New York Marathon
- Completed his first ironman during 2018, his second in 2019
- Special interest in studies about communism
- Movie debut in “Babelas”
