By Ella Bosman and Anica Hattingh
On Tuesday, 14 October, the newly formed Stellenbosch Economics Society (SES) kicked off with a bang at Amazon’s Cape Town headquarters. The launch event, free for all members, included drinks, food and an engaging discussion on South Africa’s economy and Amazon’s contribution to it.
The society, founded in September, was the brainchild of second-year student in BCom (Economic Sciences) Kamogelo Majahe and second-year student in BCom (Management Sciences) Thapelo Mamabolo. Inspired by their passion for economics, they wanted to create a space where students could explore the subject’s real-world applications. “We were just really relaxing, and one of us said, what happens if we just started an economic society?” recalls Mamabolo. Although SES is still awaiting official registration from the Societies Council, its executive committee has already made remarkable progress, holding an inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM), engaging with multiple businesses, and attracting significant student interest.
The partnership with Amazon came through direct outreach. Martie van Wyk, Senior Students Officer, explained that she contacted roughly a hundred companies for a launch partner, but only one was interested. That response came from Roveena Naidoo, HR Country Lead for Amazon South Africa, and so preparations for the event began.
Robert Koen, Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, addressed attendees before the networking portion. He offered insight into Amazon’s structure, leadership principles, and its impact on South Africa’s economy. One principle he highlighted was to “learn and be curious”, urging students to ask why things happen the way they do.
For attendees, the evening offered an invaluable networking opportunity with professionals, known as Amazonians. Vice-chairperson Phillip Lingenfelder, a first-year BA (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) student, says this connection is central to SES’s mission. He notes that economics “is not the kind of degree where you can go [directly] into a job”, and the society aims to bridge “the real world and classroom together”, providing a space where “like-minded people can make new friends and learn about how the world works, whether you’re an economics student or not”.
Looking ahead, the founders are excited about SES’s potential. “Our goal is to build a community where students can learn, connect, and see the many ways economics applies to the real world,” they say. With its strong start and clear vision, SES is poised to become a dynamic hub for curious minds at SU.
