Nieps board now hardly fuctioning Glenda Daniels An exodus of economists is under way from what was once one of the countrys most influential economic think-tanks, the African National Congresss National Institute for Economic Policy (Niep). More than half of Nieps economists have left for the private sector, government and academia this year, or are due to resign this month. Set up by the ANC in 1993 as an economic policy advisory body, Niep played a central role in drafting the Reconstruction and Development Programme. Among its non-executive directors are the chief executive of Satour and former ambassador to the United Kingdom, Cheryl Carolus; Minister of Public Enterprises Jeff Radebe; and Denel deputy chief executive Max Sisulu. There are a number of reasons for the exodus. Some economists claim “irregular governance practices” by executive director Dr Morley Nkosi have contributed.
Some of Nkosis former staff members claim Nkosi used his position on Nieps board to oust former executive director Mojalefa Ralekheto and ensconce himself in his place. He is also alleged to have his own private economic consultancy operating in competition with Niep. An economist who recently resigned from Niep said: “This is a story of how misgovernance of domestic institutions fuels the brain drain. We and other South African economists are concerned that another institute of excellence is about to die.” Nkosi responded to detailed questions by saying: “This is not a story; there is nothing to this. If this goes into the papers, you guys are going to the cleaners, okay? Take care, bye-bye.” Another former Niep economist who resigned about five years ago said: “This was bound to happen; there has always been a massive turnover of staff.” He said at the time he left there had been tensions between members who wanted to remain close to the ANC, and Nkosi and economist Asghar Adelzadeh, who “wanted the institute to go the academic research route”. “Niep, sadly, is now becoming largely irrelevant,” the economist said. “It was once very instrumental in formulating economic policy, and brilliant people worked there. I dont know what they do with their funds, because I dont see any delivery.” Adelzadeh, one of Nieps longest-serving economists and a senior director of the institute, resigned last month. He denied that economists were leaving because of Nkosi, saying they had a range of motives. He himself wanted to work on other projects and spend more time with his children. He said he left on “good terms” with the institute. But another source, who has worked closely with the organisation, claims Nieps board “hardly functions” and is neglecting its duties. But Eddie Funde, the board chairperson and president of the South African Communications Forum, said the board meets once in three months. He said that research economists are in high demand; hard to find and keep. “People who have resigned have done so for different reasons.” Other resignations or impending resignations include those of acclaimed economist and Niep senior researcher Dr Kevin Nell; Madhu Dibhala, an economist specialising in migration isues; Katerina Nicolau, a fiscal policy analyst, and Piason Mlambo, now a parliamentary research director in Zimbabwe.