Sam is a trained economist specialising in understanding the complexities of the South African economy. Prior to joining the EICN, Sam spent time in both the public and private sector, first as an economist within the Economic Policy division of the National Treasury, and then as a consulting economist at Econometrix, and Deloitte. During his time in private sector, Sam specialised in analysing events and government policies to dilute these into constructing business strategies. Sam also spent time in Switzerland as an economist for airline industry body IATA. Sam holds a masters degree in economics from Stellenbosch University, and has studied further at the Insitute for Social Studies in The Hague, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Levy Economics Insitute of Bard College in New York State.

Stephen Grootes is the presenter of SAfm’s flagship show, SAfm Sunrise. He has a wealth of experience in news and current affairs radio totaling over twenty years. He moved to SAfm after a long career at Joburg’s Radio 702, where he hosted both the breakfast and drive programmes, and spent five years at the helm of the current affairs show The Midday Report. Along the way he also amassed hours on the ground as a political reporter, and was present at all of the major political turning points of the last fifteen years. He is well known for his analysis of local events and of the South African political scene and has relationships with most of the major political role-players in the country. When he’s not working, he’s with his family, or out on a trail on his mountain bike.

Gina’s economics background started at the University of Cape Town where she mastered in advanced macroeconomics and econometric modelling. Following academics, Gina started her economics career at Standard Bank, representing Macquarie Securities and Barclays Capital / Absa Capital as their respective Lead South Africa Economists over the years. Gina joined Citibank in 2012 in London as a Director, fully responsible for all South Africa economic and political research coverage. Gina recently took over the Head of Research position for South Africa. Gina is consistently top-rated in local and global analyst rankings and is passionate about mentoring young professionals and promoting gender equality.

Sifiso Skenjana is the founder and managing director of ESG Analytics - a sustainability research and advisory business. He is also currently the business show host of PowerBusiness on Power987. Sifiso a development economist, policy advisor, radio broadcaster and strategist having also previously held position as the Chief Economist and Executive Head of Research and Strategic Advisory at IQbusiness, with broad experience in management consulting, asset and investment management and research and economic advisory experience across various sectors and sub-industries having also worked at Monitor Deloitte, Nedbank and Stanlib.

He has 13 years' industry experience and is an international and frequent speaker at various seminars and conferences as a subject matter expert/thought leader on the micro and macro economy and broader economic development topics. He has also recently served on the Ministerial Task Team for a Post-COVID economic recovery stream for the Department of Telecommunications and Digital Technologies. He is a columnist for various business and economic publications and is also a regular commentator various TV and Radio platforms.