The School of Economics, Development and Tourism comprises of three departments; namely; Department of Economics, Department of Development Studies and Department of Tourism.  

The School of Economics Development and Tourism represents a unique and exciting initiative in South and Southern African.  It brings together the disciplinary focus of Economics, and the advanced interdisciplinary span of Development Studies. In addition it provides highly relevant and vocationally rich programmes in Tourism Management at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. These three departments have a special synergy which expresses itself in a range of current and pending academic programmes (both undergraduate and postgraduate), as well as in relevant and leading-edge scholarly and contract research activities.

The School of Economics, Development and Tourism vision is to put forward strategies for economic growth and development not only in response to changing needs but also as an active and participating agent to drive intellectual, social and economic changes locally and abroad.  The school achieves this through engaging in socially relevant research with a specific focus on socio-economic projects and policy related matters. Its research capacity is bolstered by Postdoc research; Research Associates, a range of PhD students including its highly qualified academic staff. The transformative curriculum programmes in the three departments of the School is informed by continuous community engagements and applied research to meet the labour market demands.

Acting Director for the School of Economics, Development and Tourism

Prof. Amanda van den Berg is an academic and researcher in the field of Development Studies and Development Finance with extensive experience in higher education, postgraduate supervision, and programme development. She has contributed to teaching, curriculum innovation, and academic leadership across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Her research interests include development studies, development finance, qualitative research methodologies, social development, and higher education. She has published widely in academic journals and actively participates in national and international research collaborations and conferences. Prof. van den Berg is also involved in academic quality assurance, postgraduate research support, and interdisciplinary scholarly engagement.