Ever wanted a beginner's guide into the economy of South Africa, what its main sectors & features are, and the reasons why it developed its unique strengths and challenges?

Over 2024, REFA developed some new, interactive workshops that give a fun, non-technical introduction to the economy of South Africa.

Using digital resources, easy concepts from heterodox economics, politics and history, and using discussion-based activities, these workshops explain South Africa's economy, its unique challenges and how policy-makers and citizens can make change.

These will be rolled out in 2025.

On 23rd February, Wits University held its first event - a casual Post-Budget Speech Picnic! We handed out a document which summarised the key points in the Budget and then had everyone share their thoughts and concerns. 

Some of the topics that came up were:

GBV and women's financial difficulties

A feminist analysis of the budget

Are human rights tied to certain political parties?

Why is funding for higher education being cut?

How is the National Health Insurance going to work?

How does the budget address youth unemployment?

You can view the summary document here.

Most South African universities started their Orientation Week on the 5th February 2024. During Orientation Week, REFA Chapters can set up stalls and can explain to First Years what REFA is all about. O-Week is the first official event of the calendar year!

The 2023 Earth4All Action Week: “Systems Change, not Climate Change!” was a two week global initiative dedicated to sparking discussions on the need for economic systems change, organised by Earth4All and Rethinking Economics.

It took place from 1 - 15 November 2023, through 26 events in 13 countries over one thousand citizens of the world discussed what systems change means for their local contexts and culture.

View the report and hear REFA's contribution to the discussion.