Featured Research: Economy & Business

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Greater good guides generosity

Can the government communicate more effectively with people to encourage them to contribute more to initiatives such as the Solidarity Fund? By better understanding the factors that will nudge citizens into action, it can.

Web Series

South Africans' willingness to contribute to public good

Research from the University of Pretoria shows that South Africans are more willing to contribute to a cause if they believe that their donation will have a greater impact on society. In this episode we learn how the generosity of South Africans impacts on our lives.

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UP-led behavioural study explores patterns of compliance to COVID-19 regulations

A study led by researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) has found that people who believe that others are complying with COVID-19 regulations are more likely to comply as well.

Web Series

COVID-19 Compliance in SA

Dr Nicky Nicholls and Dr Eleni Yitbarek of UP’s Department of Economics studied beliefs and behavioural preferences as predictors of compliance with regulations aimed at reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in South Africa. Watch this short video to learn more.

Talking Point

South Africa and international financial institutions: a liaison group could recalibrate relations

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, South Africa has borrowed a total of about US$7 billion (about R106 billion). The money has come from the International Monetary Fund, the New Development Bank, the African Development Bank, and the World Bank.

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Research on genetic health of forest fig trees

Ficus trees are an essential source of food in forests because they produce fruit year-round. However, South African forests have been fragmented into tiny pieces since before the ice ages.