JP is a popular speaker and enjoys consistently good ratings.

He has a BA and LLB degrees from Stellenbosch (1978), studied Economics at Harvard (1998 and 2005), and obtained an MPhil in Future Studies (cum laude) from Stellenbosch (2003).

In 2009 he completed a course at Oxford University on the economies of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India & China).

He is a visiting professor at the University of the Free State where he lectures on trends in South Africa's political-economy.