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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
SEPTEMBER 2021
ECONOMICS P2
MARKING GUIDELINE
MARKS: 150
This marking guideline consists of 19 pages.
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Economics Grade 12 P2 Eastern Cape Mock 2021 Memo (English)
Grade 12 Economics Paper 2 memorandum from the Eastern Cape Mock Exam 2021 (English), 19 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Economics · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape Mock Exam · 2021 · English. Memorandum, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
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- Grade 12
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- Memorandum
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- 2021
- Exam period
- Eastern Cape Mock Exam
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2 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
SECTION A (COMPULSORY)
QUESTION 1
1.1 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1.1.1 B implicit costs
1.1.2 C differentiated
1.1.3 C all factors of production can change
1.1.4 A private
1.1.5 D government spending
1.1.6 A outbound
1.1.7 B renewable
1.1.8 D fiscal (8 x 2) (16)
1.2 MATCHING ITEMS
1.2.1 G No major government influence and control
1.2.2 E Investigates restrictive business practices
1.2.3 D Organisation of businesses that come into existence
to form a collective monopoly
1.2.4 I Incurred by businesses when producing goods and
services
1.2.5 B Takes into account the effects of inflation on gross
domestic product
1.2.6 C Enjoyment and appreciation of undisturbed nature
1.2.7 H Created in production
1.2.8 F Obtained from the use of water, tides, the sun and
wind
(8 x 1) (8)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 3
1.3 GIVE ONE TERM
1.3.1 Normal profits
1.3.2 Market
1.3.3 Non-rivalry
1.3.4 Stagflation
1.3.5 World Heritage Site
1.3.6 Indigenous Knowledge System (6 x 1) (6)
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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4 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
SECTION B
Answer TWO of the three questions from this section in your ANSWER BOOK.
QUESTION 2: MICROECONOMICS
2.1 Answer the following questions.
2.1.1 List any TWO examples of collective goods.
Parks
Beach facilities
Pavements
Streets
Roads
Bridges
Public transport
Sewerage systems
Waste removal
Refuse removal
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
2.1.2 Why is the demand curve of a perfect competitor horizontal?
The demand curve is horizontal because:
the firm can sell any amount of goods at the prevailing market
price, so even a small increase in price will lead to zero
demand
this indicates that the firm has no control over the price
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
2.2 DATA RESPONSE
2.2.1 Identify the shut-down point from the graph above.
Point b (1)
2.2.2 Name the curve depicted by letter A.
Marginal Cost curve/MC (1)
2.2.3 Briefly describe the concept shut-down point.
Shut-down point is the point where the firm cannot meet its
average or total variable costs
Shut-down occurs when the lowest point of the AVC curve is
greater than the market price (AR)
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 5
2.2.4 Describe the nature of the products in perfect competition.
Products are homogenous
They are similar or identical to ensure that no seller can
distinguish his product from his competitors which would allow
him to charge a higher price
Products are the same in terms of quality, texture etc.
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
2.2.5 What effect does the entrance of new firms have on the
perfect market?
As new firms enter, the supply curve shifts to the right
increasing the quantity supplied in the industry
Prices of goods fall as well as profits
As firms continue to enter the industry economic profits fall to
zero and only normal profits will be experienced by
producers
Some firms in the industry will experience economic losses,
and will leave the industry
The supply curve shifts to the left, increasing price and
reducing losses
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (4)
2.3 DATA RESPONSE
2.3.1 Identify the type of negative externality depicted by the picture
above.
Air pollution (1)
2.3.2 Name any ONE method used by government to reduce
negative externalities.
Carrying campaigns to persuade people from causing
externalities
Levying taxes on goods that cause negative externality
Passing laws and regulation (1)
2.3.3 Briefly describe the concept negative externality
Negative externality is a cost to a third party which is not included
in a market price of a good/product
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
2.3.4 Explain how demerit goods cause market failure.
Demerit goods are those goods that are determined to be
harmful to society and are over-consumed like cigarettes,
alcohol and drugs
More of the good is produced than is desirable
The government bans or reduce the consumption of these
goods through taxation, and provides information to the
population on their harmful effects
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
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6 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
2.3.5 Why would the government intervene in the operation of
markets?
The government intervene in markets because:
markets may inefficiently allocate resources which may lead to
inequities in the economy
the government would intervene to promote social welfare, for
example, breaking up monopolies and regulating negative
externalities
there could be an inequitable distribution of income and wealth
which the government needs to correct
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 2) (4)
2.4 Briefly explain the long run equilibrium position of a monopolist with
the aid of a fully labelled graph.
LONG RUN EQUILIBRIUM OF A MONOPOLY
Cost/Revenue
LMC
LAC
10 P
6 H
E AR
MR
0 150
Quantity
Mark allocation
Labelling of the axis 1 mark
Correct position and labelling of revenue curves 1 mark
Correct position and labelling of cost curves 1 mark
Correct area of economic profits 1 marks
Maximum = 4 marks
Explanation:
In the long run the monopolist makes economic profits
The LMC curve intersects the LAC curve at its minimum point
Profit maximisation is at point E where MR=MC, with quantity 150
produced at a price of R10 per quantity, and the average cost is R6
The monopolist is making a profit of R4 per unit (total economic profit is
R600)
The total economic profit is represented by the shaded area
The monopolist will produce where the MR=MC
(Accept any other relevant correct response) Max. 4 marks (8)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 7
2.5 Why does the government provide merit goods and services?
The government provides merit goods and services because:
merit goods are goods and services that are deemed to be socially
desirable and therefore the government feels that its consumption should
be encouraged.
there are substantial positive externalities involved in their consumption
and if they are left to the market, only private benefits and private costs
would be reflected in the price paid by consumers.
they are likely to be under-produced and under-consumed through the
market mechanism and social welfare will not be maximised
imperfect information about merit goods may lead to individuals not acting
in their best interest
equity considerations demand that merit goods such as education and
health be provided on the basis of need rather than on the basis of the
individual’s ability to pay
for example, the market is unlikely to provide the optimal quantity of health
care when consumers actually need it, because they may be short of the
necessary finance to pay the market price.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (4 x 2) (8)
[40]
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8 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
QUESTION 3: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES
3.1 3.1.1 List any TWO approaches to devising command and control
Quantity standards
Quality standards
Social impact standards
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
3.1.2 What is the impact of COVID 19 on foreign tourists into South
Africa?
There has been a decline in international tourists of about 40% to
6,1 million for the year due to COVID 19 restrictions on inter-
cross border travels
Flights to South Africa had been suspended and that led to “O”
based arrivals between April and September 2020
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
3.2 DATA RESPONSE
3.2.1 Identify, from the extract, the most emitted greenhouse gas in
South Africa
Carbon dioxide (CO2) (1)
3.2.2 State the industry that contributes most to global warming.
Energy industry (1)
3.2.3 Briefly describe the concept renewable resources.
Renewable resources are the resources that are able to reproduce
themselves and can be used again and again
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
3.2.4 Explain voluntary agreements as means by the government to
sustain the environment.
The government concludes agreements with businesses on
voluntary basis to cut pollution
The government seeks to enter into voluntary agreements
rather than posing laws and regulations with businesses
Such agreements may involve a formal contract which would be
legally binding
Businesses prefer voluntary agreements than regulations
because they can negotiate such agreements to suit their own
particular circumstances and build them into their planning
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 9
3.2.5 How would consumers contribute in reducing climate change?
Consumers would contribute by:
Investing in energy efficient appliances to promote green economy
and green technology
using solar panels or a wind turbine, for a clean-energy
economy
using public transport / driving a fuel-efficient vehicle so as to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (4)
3.3 DATA RESPONSE
3.3.1 Name ONE marketing campaign that has contributed in growth in
domestic tourism.
Shot’ left
(Accept any other relevant correct response). (1)
3.3.2 State any ONE World Heritage attraction in South Africa.
Kruger National Park
Robben Island
Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Table Mountain
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (1)
3.3.3 Briefly describe the concept domestic tourism.
Domestic tourism is traveling by the residents within the borders of
the country
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
3.3.4 Explain the negative effects of tourism on the local community.
Tourism can lead to increased inequalities between groups in the
country because rural people do not always benefit fully from it
Less educated people seldom experience benefits of tourism
Local prices can increase because tourists often pay more for
goods and services which is often beyond what the locals can
afford
High levels of tourism can lead to traffic congestion, pollution, litter,
crime, increased carbon dioxide emissions etc.
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
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10 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
3.3.5 How does tourism differ from other service industries?
Tourism differs from other service industries in that:
Tourism can impact positively and negatively on indigenous
community
Some inputs of tourism often involve non-price elements such
as viewing scenic beauty, a stroll on the beach which is not the
case with other service industries
Tourism is a very broad and complex concept which is a
combination of several industries because it includes a range
of services and service providers like travel agencies, tour
operators, taxi and shuttle services etc.
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (4)
3.4 Explain the Kyoto Protocol as a major international protocol and
agreement on sustainable development.
Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement between countries around
the globe to reduce emission of greenhouse gases
It came into force in 2005 and was first open for signature to countries
to participate in 1997
Kyoto Protocol established legally binding obligations whereby
industrialised countries agreed to reduce their emissions of six
greenhouse gases
It only binds developed countries because it recognises that they are
largely responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the
atmosphere
Each industrialised country was given a specific target of about 5.2% to
reduce its emissions
If they are unable to do so they must purchase emission credits from
countries that are below those levels
The protocol established a monitoring, review and verification system as
well as a compliance system to ensure transparency and hold parties
accountable
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (8)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 11
3.5 Examine the negative effects of globalisation on environmental
sustainability.
Globalisation negatively affects environmental sustainability because:
Globalisation increases global consumer demand leading to an increase
in production Increased production puts pressure on the
environment and the faster depletion of natural resources.
The increased economic activity leads to greater emissions of industrial
pollutants and more environmental degradation.
The pressure on international firms to remain competitive forces them to
adopt cost-saving production techniques that can be environmentally
harmful.
The industrial waste, usually harmful chemicals, that is generated as a
result of production has been dumped in oceans and that killed many
underwater organisms
Globalisation has also led to an increase in the transportation of raw
materials and food from one place to another. The amount of fuel
that is consumed in transporting these products has led to an increase
in the pollution levels in the environment.
Due to globalisation and industrialisation, various chemicals are being
thrown into the soil which then results into the growth of many noxious
weeds and plants.
This toxic waste causes a lot of damage to plants by interfering in their
genetic makeup and put pressure on the available land resources.
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (8)
[40]
QUESTION 4: MICROECONOMICS AND CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC
ISSUES
4.1 4.1.1 Name any TWO criteria that an activity must satisfy to be a
tourism activity.
There must be a purpose for the visit
No remuneration must be earned
Minimum length of stay of one night
Maximum length of stay of one year
Travelling distance of more than 160 km (2)
4.1.2 What would happen if one firm in a perfect market decides to
increase its selling price?
The firm will lose customers as homogenous products are
sold
Lesser profits will be made by the firm (2)
4.2 DATA RESPONSE
4.2.1 Identify the sector that contributed the least in GDP in 2017.
Agriculture (1)
4.2.2 What was the total contribution of tourism to GDP in 2017?
2,8% (1)
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12 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
4.2.3 Briefly describe the concept manufacturing.
Manufacturing is the process of transforming raw material into
finished goods.
(Accept any relevant correct description) (2)
4.2.4 Explain how creative representative bodies distribute tourists
effectively to tourist sites.
Creative representative bodies are formed by tourist-based
industries then tourists easily access knowledge about all tourist
destinations. (2)
4.2.5 How does tourism contribute in boosting the economy?
Tourism contribute in boosting the economy by:
Creating thousands of jobs in many different areas
Improving the revenue of the country through spending and
taxes paid by tourists
Allowing young entrepreneurs to establish new products and
services that would not be sustainable on the local population
alone
Planting a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and
residents through exhibitions, events etc. which will attract more
tourists into the country
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (4)
4.3 DATA RESPONSE
4.3.1 Identify from the graph above the optimum output level.
4 units (1)
4.3.2 At which point from the graph above will the firm break-even?
Point A (1)
4.3.3 Briefly explain the concept total cost.
Total costs are all the costs incurred by a business enterprise/the
costs or remuneration for all the factors of production used in the
production process
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
4.3.4 Describe the marginal revenue curve (MR) of a monopoly.
Monopoly faces a downward sloping marginal revenue curve that
is lower than the price, therefore it lies below the average revenue
(AR)
It lies below the AR curve because each additional unit the firm
sells brings in less revenue than the previous units sold
(Accept any other relevant response) (2)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 13
4.3.5 What is the significance of the South African Competition Act?
Competition Act is important in that:
It promotes and maintain competition in order to achieve the
objectives of promoting efficiency in markets, adaptability and
development of the economy
Through competition, consumers will be provided with competitive
prices
Employment will be promoted and there will be advancement of
the social economic welfare
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (4)
4.4 Briefly explain the effects of tourism on employment and poverty.
Employment
Tourism is the world generator of jobs because it is labour intensive with
the lowest ratio of investment in employment creation
Directly and indirectly more than 9% of South Africans are employed in
the tourism industry
A wide range of skills is required in the tourism industry, from
accountants and hairdressers to tour guides and trackers – this makes it
easier for a variety of people to find employment
Tourism provides entrepreneurial opportunities by accommodating
informal sector enterprises, from craft and fruit vendors to pavement
vendors, chair rentals and so forth
Poverty
Tourism offers opportunities to diversify sources of income for poor
people by allowing them a stake, for example, to start and operate small
scale tourism businesses around community assets
People are able to earn an income in their home areas resulting in a
reduction in urbanisation and a more balanced population distribution
Tourism development in rural areas increases the number of available
jobs in areas where there are not many jobs
The income that the tourism industry generates contributes to the
country’s economic growth and development which is essential for
improving the standard of living and alleviating poverty
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (8)
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14 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
4.5 Examine the effects of setting a maximum price on petrol in South
Africa.
Maximum price is set below the on-going market price to make goods
more affordable
In South Africa, the petrol price is controlled by the government at the
maximum price
The government intervenes and pass laws that suppliers may not charge
more than the maximum price
Setting the maximum price on petrol will make production costs more
reasonable for producers which will be passed on to consumers
The poor will have greater access to certain goods produced with using
petroleum
With affordable prices of petrol, the welfare of some consumers will be
improved since goods will be produced and consumed at affordable
prices
Businesses will be able to increase their production thus creating
employment in the economy and making more profits
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (8)
TOTAL SECTION B: 80
SECTION C
QUESTION 5 MICROECONOMICS
Discuss in detail, without the use of graphs, the characteristics of an
oligopoly. (26 marks)
Examine the negative impact of oligopolists behaviour on consumers.
(10 marks)
INTRODUCTION
Oligopoly is a market structure in which a small number of large sellers dominate
the market. An oligopoly exists when a small number of large companies are able
to influence the supply of a product or service.
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (2)
MAIN PART
Number of businesses
The market consists of few firms that dominate the market e.g. banks
Each firm is aware of the actions of the others in the market and this has an
impact on decision-making
This means each producer not only influences others but he also has to
consider them
If there is two firms in the market, it is called a duopoly
Nature of the product
Products sold may be homogeneous or heterogeneous
When product are homogenous, the market is called a pure oligopoly e.g.
petrol
When products are different, the market is referred to as a differentiated
oligopoly e.g. motor cars
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 15
Entry into the market
It is difficult to enter the market due to various barriers
A large amount of capital is usually required to enter the market
It is often difficult to overcome barriers imposed by consumer preferences
brands
Firms usually spend a lot of money on advertising to create brand loyalty
The existing firms may often be enjoying economies of scale and this may be a
further barrier
Control over price
Oligopolists have influenced the price but not as much as the monopolists do
Price wars is often a feature when the existing firms want to limit entrance in the
market
Demand curve of the oligopoly
An oligopoly faces a kinked demand curve. This demand curve consists of two
sections
The top section that relates to high prices has a very elastic slope (i.e. demand is
very sensitive to a price change)
The bottom section that relates to lower prices is very inelastic (i.e. demand is not
sensitive to a price change)
Collusion
Firms often co-operate instead of competing with one another
This may be by forming cartels (explicit collusion), which are formal agreements for
firms to work together
At times collusion can be in the form of price leadership, which is an unspoken
agreement among firms
Price leadership (tacit/implicit collusion) involves one firm serving as a price leader
while others follow
When the price leader changes its price the other do the same
Collusion is illegal in South Africa, may not negotiate agreements that can limit
competition. Behaviour is liable to large fines by the Competition Commission
Market information
Buyers and sellers have incomplete information about market conditions
Even though the oligopolists monitor one another’s actions, they do not always know
how the competitor will react to their actions
Price and profits
Prices are higher in general than under perfect competition
Oligopolists develop brand loyalty among consumers to generate economic profit
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16 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
Mutual dependence
Any decision and actions of one will have a direct effect on the profits of the
others who will retaliate by changing prices and output
In an oligopoly, a firm not only considers the market demand for its product, but
also the reactions of other firms in the industry
No firm can ignore the possible reaction of other firms to its price and output
policies
Firms are forced to change strategy in order to keep up with the manoeuvres of
the competition
In an oligopolistic industry it is difficult to keep secrets because firms watch each
other very closely
Mutual dependence makes policy decisions of businesses in an oligopoly market
to be more complex than other market structures
(Allocate a maximum of 8 marks for mere listing of facts /examples)
(Accept any other relevant correct higher order response) (Max. 26)
ADDITIONAL PART
Negative impact:
Through collusion by firms, consumers may end up paying higher prices
They will have to spend more to purchase products which should have been in
lower prices
High concentration of businesses reduces consumer choice
Cartel like behaviour reduces competition and can lead to higher prices and
reduced output which may limit a variety of goods for the consumer
Given lack of competition, producers may be free to engage in the manipulation
of consumer decision making
Oligopolies may lead to a potential loss of economic welfare
(Accept any other relevant correct higher order response) (Max. 10)
CONCLUSION
Oligopolies play a very important role in the economy as most of the manufacturing
industries in south Africa are oligopolistic in nature and produce the largest portion of
the total output and worldwide, they are the common market structure of the modern
economies
(Accept any other relevant correct high order conclusion.) (2)
[40]
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 17
QUESTION 6: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES
Examine in detail the consequences of inflation (26 marks)
Why is high inflation rate a concern for business performance? (10 marks)
INTRODUCTION
The influence of inflation in the economy is not always obvious as it does not affect
everyone in the same way
The effects of inflation may not be noticeable in the short term but may be very
harmful in the long term
(Accept any correct relevant introduction) (2)
MAIN PART
Debtors and creditors
During periods of rising prices, debtors gain in real terms because the contract
was signed in advance and cannot be changed
Debtors receive the money with a relatively high purchasing power and repay
their loans with low purchasing power, unless interest rates are sufficient to
prevent the situation
Inflation harm creditors as they lose due to a fall in the real value of money
Changes in price levels affect debtors and creditors differently at different time
periods
Wage and salary earners
Real wages fall sharply during periods of high inflation as a result of a decline in
capital stock and a shift in relative prices
Inflation can impoverish large segments of the population by eroding the real
wages
Relative wages are the important component of wealth, they constitute the main
source of income for many households, especially for the less well-off
The behaviour of real wages therefore has a direct bearing on income
distribution and the level of poverty
Wage earners suffer during inflation, despite the fact that they obtain a wage
rise to counter the rise in the cost of living, because wages do not rise as much
as the rise in prices of those commodities which workers consume
Inflation most negatively affects those people who earn an income that grows
more slowly than the general increase in the prices of goods, e.g. pensioners
and those dependent on fixed income such as rentals
Most pensions are paid a fixed amount that is often determined months or years
in advance
If no provision has been made for inflation, and with the erosion of spending
power, they will eventually earn too little to survive
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18 ECONOMICS P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2021)
Investors and savers
People who invest in negotiable instruments such as shares, often benefit from
inflation, because during periods of inflation, interest rates are increased to encourage
savings
Investors in assets with flexible market value (e.g. shares and fixed property) usually
gain from price increases because the nominal values of these assets tend to increase
at least proportionally more rapidly than increases in general price levels in the
case of inflation wealth is created to the advantage of those holding such assets
Investment in assets with fixed nominal value will give a fixed return if assets are held
until maturity because their nominal values remain constant and will decrease as
prices increase thus reducing their real value
People save money for long periods with the aim of using these funds to meet future
expectations, these savings may be invested as fixed deposits, in the money market,
as life policies or in pension funds
Inflation leads to a decrease in the value of money which means long term savings lose
their real value
Tax payers
With higher inflation, tax payer’s nominal income rise when their real income remain
unchanged because taxes are levied on the nominal income but not on real
income, and this affects the purchasing power of tax payer
If the income tax schedule remains unchanged, inflation will increase the average rate
of personal income tax
Individuals will have to pay higher taxes even if they are actually no better off than
before
This means that marginal and average tax rates increase in harmony with the income
levels
The phenomenon, known as a bracket creep leads to a redistribution of income from
tax payers to the government
Industrial peace
Wage bargaining is often accompanied by strikes and mass actions
These actions can sometimes spill over into violence which affects society at large
In extreme situations, in the presence of exceptionally high inflation together with a
government that is determined not to yield to wage increase demands (which can push
inflation to even higher levels) widespread civil unrest would follow
Balance of payments problems
Inflation has an adverse effect on a country’s balance of payments
Inflation makes domestic prices to increase and this makes domestic exports
uncompetitive on the international markets and South African exporters may lose major
trading partners
The high prices of exports will discourage foreign businesses from buying South
African goods resulting in decrease in exports and a loss of foreign exchange
earnings
Psychological influence
Inflation impacts negatively on economic growth
Inflation creates a negative sentiment
This means that there is an unfavourable psychological climate for economic activities
and people are so uncertain about future prices and values
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2021) ECONOMICS P2 19
Poverty levels and unemployment
Increase in prices of basic food and services affect the poor the most as a result
poverty levels increase
Social grants have to increase at the inflation rate, which is costly to taxpayers
Employers often react to increasing costs by dismissing low-paid employees
(Allocate a maximum of 8 marks for examples/mere listing of facts)
(Accept any other relevant correct response) (Max. 26)
ADDITIONAL PART
High inflation rate is a concern for business performance because:
Rising costs for businesses could result in larger production spending on inputs
and falling profitability
Businesses will therefore be forced to increase the prices to supplement the high
costs
For this they will receive a negative response from consumers which will affect the
level of production and will end up selling fewer quantities
Expectation of high inflation and feeling of uncertainty will result from the consumer
overspending, and money hoarding in a time of inflation, thus affecting the profits
of businesses when inflation rise
Consumers may hold back on spending until they enter a safer economic climate,
again lowering business profits
With consumers holding back on spending, businesses can unfortunately feel the
brunt of this with a potential reduction of sales
The effect of inflation can be detrimental to business stability, disrupt business
planning and lead to lower investment
If costs are rising due to inflation, producers may not be able to pass them to
consumers
(Accept any other relevant correct higher order response) (Max. 10)
CONCLUSION
It is important for the government to take specific actions to keep inflation under
control as high inflation rates can have serious social, economic and political
consequences
As an economic measure, inflation inform people how well the stability of prices is
achieved so that they plan well for the future
(Accept any other relevant correct higher order response) (2)
[40]
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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