By Reatlegile Ratlagane
Students from the Department of Economics at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) had an opportunity to sharpen their understanding of labour markets, pricing and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during an interactive engagement session with Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The event, part of the Faculty of Economics and Finance’s simulated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme, linked classroom theory with practical application to prepare students for the world of work.
Stats SA specialists unpacked the practical use of labour statistics, price statistics and GDP, showing how these tools influence business and government decision-making. The presentations also highlighted career opportunities within the organisation, sparking strong interest from second- and third-year students who actively engaged with questions throughout the session.
“We are grateful to the Gauteng Provincial Office of Statistics South Africa for this industry engagement as part of our Work Integrated Learning modules. The economic indicators we teach in class came alive as the team from Stats SA went in-depth on the way in which they compile Labour Statistics, Price Statistics and the Gross Domestic Product. We look forward to more such collaboration,” said Sinqobile Ncube, lecturer from the Department of Economics.
The session also featured TUT alumnus, Zwavhudi Muruba, now employed at Stats SA, who inspired students with lessons from his academic and professional journey. “During my time at TUT, I was so determined that it felt like opportunities came to me. My work spoke for me and I believe that discipline towards achieving success starts during your student years,” he said.
TUT Alumnus, Zwavhudi Muruba, addressing Economics students during the Industry Engagement session
Students described the engagement as insightful and empowering, noting that it went beyond academic learning - it showed them how they can influence the economy and drive change in the industry.
In a follow-up, Stats SA invited the department and its students for a site visit to gain more first-hand experience of how national data is compiled and applied, further strengthening the link between academic preparation and professional practice.
Second and third-year Economics students who attended the Industry Engagement session with StatsSA.
What Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Does
- Collects and analyses data on population, economy and society to guide national planning.
- Publishes key indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation and labour statistics.
- Supports decision-making for government, business and communities with accurate, reliable information.
- Provides career opportunities for economists, statisticians, data scientists and researchers.
- Partners with universities like TUT to prepare students as #FutureReadyGraduates through industry engagements and site visits.