Papama Meleni
Research Coordinator
Biography
Ms Papama Meleni is a development economist and researcher specializing in economic policy analysis and transformation research. With a strong foundation in applied economics and research
skills in data analysis, she brings analytical rigor and strategic thinking to advancing property sector transformation in South Africa.
Papama’s research has been recognized nationally and internationally, with achievements including finalist positions in the Edmund A. Mennis Contributed Paper Award Competition (2023), the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition (2021, 2022), and the National Writing Centre Creative Writing Competition (2024).
She is an active contributor to public discourse on economic development and transformation, with opinion pieces published through the South Africa Student Solidarity Foundation for Education
(SASSFE) and other platforms. Her writing focuses on accessible economic analysis, financial policy, and inclusive development, demonstrating her commitment to making complex economic
issues understandable and relevant to broader audiences.
Education
Papama holds a BCom Honours in Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
and is completing her MCom in Applied Development Economics at WITS.
Work Experience
Papama Meleni is the Research Coordinator at the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP), where she leads research initiatives, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement aimed at driving economic transformation in South Africa’s property sector. Her role focuses on establishing SAIBPP as a credible voice on transformation issues through evidence-based research, policy analysis, legislative monitoring, and strategic thought leadership. With
expertise in data analysis, policy development, and economic research, Papama is committed to using evidence-based approaches to advance inclusive economic participation in South Africa’s property sector
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