Liberty Sponsors UKZN Liberty Research Initiative
Liberty has collaborated with the renowned University of KwaZulu-Natal to sponsor economic research into what economic forces are driving the province into the future.
KZN is now the country’s second most powerful province in terms of gross domestic product after Gauteng, contributing some R15.90 of every R100 produced by the South African economy.
The province’s diverse economy includes the port hubs of Richards Bay and Durban and the sought-after coastal property hotspot between Durban and Ballito, which is home to many wealthy South Africans, as well as others from abroad.
Some living here commute globally from the nearby King Shaka International Airport, while many simply enjoy the area as a retirement destination.
“We want to better understand what forces are shaping the provincial economy and influencing the people of KZN as the province moves forward into the future,” says Bayanda Mkhize, Liberty Divisional Executive for KZN.
“As an insurer, we make it our mission to cover people’s lives so they can plan for the future they desire and be prepared for the challenges that life may bring. This commitment is especially relevant to KwaZulu-Natal at this pivotal moment in the province’s promising journey ahead,” he says.
Liberty will contribute R250 000 a year to UKZN’s research efforts through the University’s School of Accounting, Economics and Finance.
“Forging this partnership with Liberty, UKZN reaffirms its commitment to conducting research that informs decision-making,” said Professor Bomi Nomlala from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “By working together, we hope to promote cutting-edge research in the fields of health services, investments, asset management, and both long- and short-term insurance. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to excellence and impactful research.”
Over and above the research initiative, Liberty and UKZN will partner on a number of other initiatives focused on better understanding the dynamics of the province.
“Liberty has a long record of sponsoring academic achievement through partnerships with institutions that include the University of Cape Town for example.
In doing this, we are committed to understanding the lives of all South Africans, so we can better tailor our services and solutions to enable our clients to build, maintain and protect their wealth whether they are starting out, or nearing the end of their professional careers,” adds Graham Easton, Liberty Divisional Executive for Research and Insight.
