PEC 2026: Session 1 Part 1: In Conversation with the South African Finance Family – Panel Discussion

This session from the Public Economics Conference (PEC) 2026 brings together key leaders from South Africa’s finance institutions to unpack the country’s labour market challenges. The discussion explores the dynamics of employment, unemployment and the role of the informal sector in shaping economic outcomes. Panel: Hilary Joffe, Editor-in-Chief; Office of the Accountant-General, National Treasury; Dr Duncan Pieterse, Director-General, National Treasury; Dr Johnstone Makhubu, Commissioner, South African Revenue Service (SARS). The session provides high-level insights into how public finance, policy and institutions are responding to the structural challenges facing South Africa’s labour market. Presented at the 2026 Public Economics Conference.