Elna Moolman of Barnard Jacobs Mellet was voted the Reuters Economist of the Year, it was announced on Thursday at a breakfast in Sandton.
Governor of the South African Reserve Bank Tito Mboweni presented Moolman with her prize.
Moolman told the South African Press Association: ”It is a big surprise and it is a great honour.”
She said there was competition between economists but this was constructive as it encouraged ”healthy debates”.
Turning to the South African economy, Moolman added that she saw it as remaining robust.
Although consumer spending was expected to ease, this would be offset by investments in both the public and private sectors.
She saw South Africa’s economic growth remaining above 4,5%. — Sapa