What is Drive Motor Index (DMI)

The Drive Motor Index (DMI) is a composite index that tracks the real percentage change across twelve key indicators of South Africa’s motor-vehicle industry, weighting each measure by its importance in signalling the sector’s health. Compiled monthly by economist Dr. Roelof Botha—adjunct faculty member at GIBS and economic advisor to the Optimum Investment Group—the DMI serves as a barometer of prevailing business conditions in the motor sector.

Dr. Botha delivers engaging keynote speeches on the country's economic and political landscape. With over 40 years of experience, he wears multiple hats as a lecturer, financial editor, columnist, and researcher.

His accurate economic forecasts have earned him recognition as the Finmedia Economist of the Year. Dr. Botha also teaches economics part-time at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and advises the Optimum Financial Services Group.