scholarly journals AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Author(s):  
Daniel Francois Meyer
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Meyer

South Africa is facing three main developmental problems, including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The tourism sector allows for a relatively easy entry into the local market for small businesses and entrepreneurs and has the potential to create jobs and subsequently, income. Tourism development could be utilised as a driver for economic growth and development. The main objective of this research was to assess the impact of the tourism sector on economic growth and development in South Africa, focusing on the Gauteng Province which, is the economic hub of the country and even Africa. The methodology utilised was based on a quantitative design, using secondary time series pooled panel data approach including, all the municipal entities in the region. Annual data from 2000 to 2019 were used to analyse the impact of tourism on economic growth and development. Tourism variables include measurements such as tourism spending and international tourism trips. Results confirm the tourism-growth nexus and the sector allows ease of market entry for small businesses, resulting in employment creation and income for the poor in developing regions if promoted via effective policy implementation, even in regions where tourism is not the leading sector.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zinzi Nxopo ◽  
Chux Gervase Iwu

The intention of this article is to identify the obstacles unique to female entrepreneurs in the tourism industry in Western Cape, South Africa. This is against the backdrop that in order to accelerate economic growth and development in South Africa, female entrepreneurs should also be considered as important vehicles that can bring about the necessary economic growth and development. Unfortunately, this growth has been stifled due to the high failure rate in the SMME sector; specifically among women. This article used the qualitative deductive approach, utilising in-depth semi-structured interviews, which enabled the participants to disclose important information relating to the study. The data were analysed qualitatively using themes. For effect, this article also made use of content analysis because of its significance in qualitative studies.Three themes emerged from content analysis. These include demographic factors; socio-economic factors and culture. The findings have shown primarily that the factors that impede female entrepreneurs differ from sector to sector. Within the Western Cape Tourism industry, specifically the accommodation sector, unique obstacles abound. While the authors acknowledge that the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs are unique to this sector, they are equally mindful of therepercussions of a generalisation of the findings. To this end, we suggest that a broader study be conducted to compare factors that impede entrepreneurship in other provinces in South Africa and/or draw a comparison between males and females. This article undoubtedly has value not simply because it is gender biased, but also because by highlighting the unique challenges and barriers faced by female entrepreneurs, there could be better government support for female entrepreneurs in general and especially those in the accommodation sector in the Western Cape.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 608-616
Author(s):  
Michael C. Cant ◽  
Safura Mohamed Kallier ◽  
Johannes A. Wiid

Research over the years has shown that in order for any business to survive, the correct product mix must be offered to the market. If the product does not satisfy the needs of the market, its reason for existence can be questioned. This principle applies to all businesses – big or small. The question arises if SMEs adhere to this fact and, if so, how they go about doing this. SMEs over the world make huge contributions to economic growth and job creation and are seen to be a driving force for economic growth and development in any economy. In the highly competitive environment that SMEs operate in, selecting the right merchandise for the right customer is important and, in most instances, its ability to survive or perish. This study aimed to determine if SMEs in South Africa make decisions regarding the product mix and, if so, if they conform to different profiles regarding the decisions that they make. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and was sent to SMEs around South Africa operating in different industries. The results indicated that SMEs in South Africa consider product characteristics, consumer behavior and strategic aspects when making product mix decisions. Keywords: merchandising, product, SMEs, product mix, business, South Africa. JEL Classification: M00, M300, M310


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Maimuna Yakubu ◽  
Gylych Jelilov

<p>There is no uncertainty that Energy plays a very important part in economic growth and development of any country and increasing access to modernized systems of energy is vital to unlocking rapid economic and social development in sub Saharan Africa. Therefore, this paper has empirically examined the causality between energy and economic growth using a consistent data set and methodology for 10 sub-Saharan Africa countries for the period 1990-2012. By applying Augmented Dickey Fuller, co-integration and causality tests the study finds causality running from GDP to energy consumption in Nigeria, in Ghana causality runs from energy consumption to GDP, for Namibia causality runs from GDP to energy consumption but not vice versa and for Cote d’ivore causality runs from gross capital formation to GDP. And no evidence of causality found in Togo, Cameroon, Botswana, Ethiopia, South Africa and Benin.</p>


2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabavu Clifford Nkomo

South Africa relies heavily on imported crude oil. Domestic sources and available substitutes alone cannot satisfy the country’s current demand, resulting in imported crude oil accounting for over 90% of South Africa’s requirements. This high level of dependence on imported crude oil exposes the economy to potential events that either interrupts supplies or leads to higher oil prices thereby undermining economic growth and development. Widening diversity of supply, demand-side measures and maintaining strategic inventories will strengthen energy security.


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