Professor Reena das Nair (Runge 1999), who completed her Cambridge A Levels at St John’s Sixth Form in 1999, has recently co-edited a significant new publication that’s gaining attention in economic circles across Africa and beyond.
Regulating for Rivalry: The development of competition regimes in Africa, published by HSRC Press, is the result of years of research and collaboration in the field of competition economics. The book, available through major booksellers, brings together chapters from scholars and practitioners across the continent.
Now serving as Executive Director at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) and Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg, Reena’’s journey from St John'’s Sixth Form to academic leadership reflects the impact of passionate teaching and committed learning.
"My interest in economics was strongly shaped by a wonderful teacher, Mrs Jane Royal, who taught me A Level Economics at St John'’s,” said Reena. "She really cultivated my interest in the subject, which led me to pursue economics at university, all the way to PhD level, and to build a career from it.”
That early influence remains evident in Reena’’s work today. Her teaching philosophy—driving excellence in the application of economic principles to make markets work for all—echoes the practical, real-world focus that first sparked her interest as a teenager.
The book grew out of annual conferences hosted by CCRED in partnership with competition authorities across Africa. A particularly meaningful moment for Reena was the inclusion of a chapter by a former MCom Competition and Economic Regulation student from the programme she co-ordinates at UJ. The chapter, adapted from the student’’s dissertation, stands as a testament to how inspired teaching continues to shape new voices in the field.
"Co-editing a book like this required a project management approach, something I didn’t fully appreciate at the start!" said Reena. Balancing the demands of editing, directing a research centre, conducting commissioned research, and co-ordinating a Master’’s programme called for skills that extended well beyond economics, including promotion and marketing.
The book offers insights into the development of competition regimes in Africa, drawing on specific case studies and sectoral experiences. It forms part of Reena’’s wider commitment to producing rigorous, relevant research that supports fairer and more inclusive markets.
She is already working on her next book, based on food market research in Tanzania and South Africa, and is co-editing a special issue journal scheduled for publication in 2026.
From a curious Sixth Former in Runge House to a leading figure in African competition economics, Reena’’s story illustrates the lasting impact of exceptional teaching. As she reflects: "I am grateful for Mrs Royal’’s excellent teaching of economics, but also fondly remember what a kind, caring and fun teacher she was.”