TRAILBLAZER - NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR TREASURY BY RAINE ST. CLAIRE
Dr. Duncan Pieterse: Guiding South Africa’s treasury through challenging economic waters with chutzpah
T
he Treasury plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policies, economic trajectory, and financial stability. In providing strategic leadership, the Director General (DG) is responsible for reshaping the department’s organisational structure and oversees a team of experts responsible for financial management, economic analysis, and policy formulation. With a decade’s experience within the National Treasury under his belt, Dr. Duncan Pieterse, the newly appointed DG steps into one of the most demanding jobs in government. Shaping economic policy Dr. Pieterse’s journey within the Treasury began in 2013 when he embarked on his career as the director for microeconomic policy. After six years of dedicated service, he ascended to the role of deputy director general of economic policy. A noteworthy achievement in his career was his instrumental role in the development of the Eskom Debt Relief Bill. Prior to his appointment, he left a
28 Public Sector Leaders | November 2023
notable impact while serving as the Deputy DirectorGeneral of Asset and Liability Management (ALM). Academic excellence Dr. Pieterse’s academic journey is equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Business Science, an MBA, and a PhD in economics, all from at the University of Cape Town. His doctoral research delved into the intricate interplay between adverse childhood experiences, educational outcomes, problem drinking, and the perpetration of violence. He further enhanced his expertise by completing a mid-career Master of Public Administration at Harvard University’s renowned Kennedy School, along with conducting research fellowships at Brown and Yale Universities in the United States. Between 2004 and 2008, he worked as a development economist and served as a public finance consultant. A unique opportunity Dr. Pieterse sees his choice to pursue a career in the
