What happened to south africa's GDP in 1974?4 answersIn 1974, South Africa experienced a significant economic downturn with a structural break in its growth trend, leading to a decline in GDP. This decline marked a shift from the previous decades of steady and relatively high economic growth. The slowdown in the South African economy during the 1970s was characterized by a protracted decline in manufacturing industry, resulting in growing unemployment and declining per capita income. The economic challenges faced during this period were further exacerbated by factors such as increased costs of diesel and coal, impacting the profits of power utility Eskom. Overall, the 1970s were a turbulent time for South Africa's economy, setting the stage for further economic struggles in the subsequent years.
What happened to south africa's GDP in 1973/1974?4 answersIn 1973/1974, South Africa experienced a significant shift in its economic trajectory. The country's GDP growth, which had been robust in the preceding years, began to slow down. This slowdown was part of a broader trend of economic decline that marked a pivotal moment in South African economic history. The export-led growth that characterized the previous years came to an end in 1980, with external trade growing at a slower pace compared to GDP growth in the 1980s. Additionally, the mid-1970s saw South Africa grappling with political and economic crises, including internal upheaval, balance-of-payments issues, rising unemployment, stagnant output, and inflation. These challenges further contributed to the economic difficulties faced by the country during this period.
What economic policies were implemented in South Africa between 2010 and 2018?5 answersVarious economic policies were implemented in South Africa between 2010 and 2018 to address economic challenges and promote growth. These policies included the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act in 2003, the Codes of Good Practice in 2007, and industry-specific Sectoral Charters and Codes from 2009 onwards. Additionally, the government introduced the policy of free higher education for families with annual incomes below R350,000 in December 2017, leading to changes in the fiscal framework with new tax measures and expenditure reductions. Furthermore, fiscal reforms in 2018 involved an increase in Value-added tax (VAT) by 1% for all commodities except food and a 5% reduction in public spending, impacting women disproportionately in terms of employment and poverty levels. These policies aimed to stimulate economic growth, reduce inequality, and improve development indicators across different sectors and population groups in South Africa.
How have South Africa's macroeconomic policies evolved since the end of apartheid in 1994?5 answersSince the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa's macroeconomic policies have undergone significant changes. Initially, the government adopted neoliberal economic policies in 1996 to appease global markets, but these policies failed to address the country's economic challenges. The government focused on reducing structural inequality through the Reconstruction and Development Programme, guiding social and economic transformation post-apartheid. In terms of foreign policy, South Africa transitioned from the apartheid era to a post-apartheid democratic dispensation, with distinct periods from 1994 to 2020, reflecting evolving foreign relations strategies. Additionally, there have been efforts to address economic growth by analyzing the impact of unemployment and inflation, with findings indicating a negative effect on economic growth, emphasizing the need for stable pricing regulations and skill development initiatives.
What does the finance sector contribute the south african economy?5 answersThe financial sector plays a crucial role in the South African economy, contributing approximately 10.5% to the country's GDP. This sector enables economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and long-term progress for both the nation and its people. It is a key driver of all other sectors and is essential for meaningful economic transformation and inclusion. Additionally, the insurance sector in South Africa accounts for 18% of the financial sector, showcasing its significant presence and impact on the economy. The relationship between financial sector development and economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has been studied, highlighting the positive association between financial sector development and economic growth in the region. Overall, the financial sector's efficiency is vital for the country's economic health and prosperity.
What is the state of financial technology adoption in south africa?5 answersFinancial technology adoption in South Africa is lagging behind the developed world, particularly in terms of cryptocurrency adoption. Studies have been conducted to understand the factors influencing consumer behavior and intention to adopt cryptocurrency. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been used to predict behavioral intention, with attitude and perceived behavioral control found to positively impact adoption intention. Additionally, consumer readiness and perceptions of innovation characteristics have been identified as important determinants of internet banking (IB) adoption in South Africa. Technology-enabled financial services have the potential to expand financial inclusion in South Africa, especially for the unbanked population. An enhanced Technology Acceptance Model has been proposed to explain the adoption of technology-enabled financial services, and it has been validated through survey data. However, the readiness of consumers to adopt technology-based products in South Africa is relatively low compared to developed economies, which should be considered by banks when developing products and investing resources.