Economics lecturer in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Dr Simiso Msomi was excited to graduate with his PhD during his birthday month.
His study on The Monetary Model of Exchange Rate Behaviour: The Case of South Africa, assessed the influence of the South African Reserve Bank’s policy tools on the exchange rate’s movement. The study concluded that policy makers should make provision for the impact of unknown/unobserved factors that exert pressure on the exchange rate.
Msomi said that growing up in an area characterised by high rates of unemployment, poverty, and inequality motivated him to enter the field of Economics: ‘I want to change the world through my work and Economics is the best medium to do so.’ He presented six conference papers during the course of his study, with further projects in the pipeline. He also aims to assist students by sourcing research grants.
Msomi, who sacrificed much time with his family to complete his studies, thanked them for their support and for being his source of inspiration. He hopes that his children, Khanya and Nyezi will be inspired by greatness and help to shape the future for the better.
Msomi’s study was supervised by UKZN Economist and Founding Member of the UKZN Macroeconomics Research Unit (MRU), Professor Harold Ngalawa.
‘As MRU, we are proud of Msomi’s achievement and we look forward to his continued contributions towards knowledge generation through research that will contribute to the development and enhancement of the macroeconomics field from a regional, national and international context,’ commented Ngalawa.
Msomi looks forward to letting his hair down on 24 May as he celebrates his 36th birthday with family and friends!
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini