"We are doing remarkably well" - Professor Johan Fourie

Johan Fourie is a professor of economics and history at the University of Stellenbosch. 

Fourie teaches economic history to undergraduate and graduate students and writes frequently on the topic, either by contributing to research or for a more popular audience, as a columnist and blogger. 

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Fourie is the author of the book, 'Long Walk To Economic Freedom' which is an engaging guide to complex debates about the roots and reason of prosperity, the march of opportunity versus the crushing boot of exploitation, and why the builders of societies - rather than the burglars - ultimately win out. 

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Johan Fourie explores in this entertaining, accessible economic history spanning everything from the human migration out of Africa 100 000 years ago to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Johan Fourie joined the Scenic Drive to talk about the book; 'Long Walk To Economic Freedom', the current state of the country and the complex debates we are faced with within South Africa. 

"We are doing remarkably well if you look back years ago. During the 2000's we saw a decline in poverty. During the 2010s things changed, however, things are changing and people need to be patient." 

Fourie mentioned that more people now have access to education, housing and medical care which was only available for a certain people. 

"The people that are doing well and will be successful in the next 10-years are the people that are taking risks."

"We must stay optimistic."

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Image: Supplied/ Johan Fourie