SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS/
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
ECONOMICS P1
MAY/JUNE 2024
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 150
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Economics Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC June 2024 Memo (English)
Grade 12 Economics Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC June Exam 2024 (English), 22 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Economics · Grade 12 · NSC June Exam · 2024 · English. Memorandum, 22 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Economics
- Grade
- Grade 12
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- English
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2024
- Exam period
- NSC June Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
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- 22
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NSC June Exam 2024
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Economics/P1 2 DBE/May/June 2024
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION A (COMPULSORY)
QUESTION 1
1.1 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1.1.1 B - residual item
1.1.2 A - amplitude
1.1.3 D - October
1.1.4 A - trade balance
1.1.5 C - globalisation
1.1.6 B - property tax
1.1.7 D - special economic zone
1.1.8 C – 1 (8 x 2) (16)
1.2 MATCHING ITEMS
1.2.1 E- the movement of factors of production, goods and services
between economic participants
1.2.2 G- the removal of laws and other forms of government control
that interfere in the functioning of markets
1.2.3 A- when a person is required to give an explanation of his or
her decisions or actions
1.2.4 I- focuses on the production/provision of a particular type of
good or service
1.2.5 F- payment of subsidies that are equal to import duties paid by
export producers
1.2.6 B- used by the United Nations to compare the standards of
living between different countries
1.2.7 C- legal ownership of copyright, design, patent or trade mark by
an individual or business
1.2.8 D- number of years that a new-born infant is likely to live
(8 x 1) (8)
1.3 GIVE THE TERM
1.3.1 Double counting
1.3.2 Full employment
1.3.3 Exchange rate
1.3.4 Trade barriers
1.3.5 Moral suasion/persuasion
1.3.6 Industrial/economic/manufacturing/production base (6 x 1) (6)
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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SECTION B
Answer any TWO of the three questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK.
QUESTION 2: MACROECONOMICS 40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES
2.1 SHORT QUESTIONS
2.1.1 Name the TWO factors that determine the size of the multiplier in
a two-sector model.
• Marginal propensity to consume / MPC
• Marginal propensity to save / MPS (2 x 1) (2)
2.1.2 How can the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) use open market
transactions to increase money supply?
Buy government securities/bonds from banks, thereby injecting more
money into the banking system which will increase money supply.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (1 x 2) (2)
2.2 DATA RESPONSE
2.2.1 Identify the category of consumer goods that recorded growth in
the third quarter of 2022 (Q3,2022).
Durable goods (1)
2.2.2 Give ONE example of non-durable goods.
• Food
• Beverages
• Fuel
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (1)
2.2.3 Briefly describe the term consumption.
Use of final goods and services to satisfy human needs / The act of
using of resources to satisfy current needs and wants
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
2.2.4 Why are savings regarded as leakages in the circular flow model?
Savings flow from households to the banking system which reduces the
amount of money in circulation / Savings reduce the flow of money that
could be spend on goods and services
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(2)
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2.2.5 How can an increase in interest rates influence households on
the circular flow?
• Households will borrow less money from financial institutions due to
higher interest rates.
• Consumers will buy fewer goods and services as credit becomes
more expensive.
• Households will receive more returns on savings that have flexible
interest rates.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 2) (4)
2.3 DATA RESPONSE
2.3.1 Identify a term that refers to parastatals.
• State-owned enterprises (SOEs) (1)
2.3.2 Give ONE feature of public sector failure.
• Ineffectiveness
• Inefficiency (1)
2.3.3 Briefly describe the term nationalisation.
Transfer of functions and ownership of entities from the private sector
to the public sector. / When the government takes ownership and
control of an existing enterprise in the private sector.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
2.3.4 Why is it important for the government to remain in control of the
key input sectors such as energy and transport?
• The government will be strategically positioned to control the cost of
key inputs to production such as electricity and transport, which will
minimise the cost of doing business in the economy.
• To promote price stability and allow all households to afford goods
and services
• To promote infrastructure development which may be overlooked by
private entities
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
2.3.5 How can the South African government benefit from the
privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs)?
• The government can raise income (foreign exchange) from the
sales of public entities to the private sector.
• The tax base will expand and the government will raise more tax
revenue to spend on economic projects such infrastructure
development.
• The government will have less administrative burden on the
operations of parastatals.
• Privatisation may reduce the fiscal pressure in terms financial bail-
outs on loss-making parastatals.
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• The government can use privatisation to promote developmental
objectives through black economic empowerment
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 2) (4)
2.4 Discuss the role of households in the circular flow model.
• Households own the factors of production such as natural resources, labour,
capital and entrepreneurship.
• They sell factors of production to businesses for the production goods and
services.
• Households buy goods and services with the income that they receive from
their factor services.
• They save part of their income with financial institutions which ensures the
availability of loanable funds.
• They pay direct taxes such personal income tax to the government from the
income that they earn.
• Consumers pay indirect taxes such as VAT and excise duties when they buy
goods and services.
• Households may invest their income by purchasing assets such as shares
and properties to accumulate wealth.
• They borrow funds from financial institutions to buy goods and services
which stimulates aggregate demand.
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(Allocate a maximum of 4 marks for mere listing of facts) (4 x 2) (8)
2.5 Analyse the factors that may cause a deficit on South Africa’s balance of
payments (BoP)
• Decrease in domestic production may result in less goods and services
being exported creating deficit in the current account.
• Low economic growth in South Africa’s trading partners such as USA and
China may reduce demand for South African exports which will lead to a
decrease in the value of exports.
• Decrease in supply of goods and services on local markets may increase
imports which will increase deficit in the current account.
• Decrease in export prices and an increase in import prices may lead to less
export earnings and higher import payments.
• Removal of import restrictions such as tariffs and quotas may increase the
amount of imports thereby increasing deficit in the current account.
• Shortage of capital goods, such as machinery and equipment, in the
domestic economy may result in more imports of such goods.
• Unfavourable climatic conditions such as drought may decrease domestic
production contributing to less exports and more imports.
• Appreciation of the rand may increase imports as they become relatively
cheaper and/or reduce exports as they become relatively more
expensive.
• Depreciation of the rand may increase import payments increasing deficit in
the current account.
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(Allocate a maximum of 2 marks for mere listing of facts) (4 x 2) (8)
[40]
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QUESTION 3: ECONOMIC PURSUITS 40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES
3.1 SHORT QUESTIONS
3.1.1 Name any TWO redress policies in South Africa.
• Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)
• Employment Equity Act (EEA) / Affirmative action
• Land redistribution
• Land restitution
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 1) (2)
3.1.2 How can import substitution promote industrialisation?
The establishment of new businesses to produce goods and services
that were previously imported helps to expand the local industries /
Production of previously imported goods and services may encourage
establishment of new industries or expansion of existing industries
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (1 x 2)
(2)
3.2 DATA RESPONSE
3.2.1 Identify a form of tax imposed on imports, in the extract above.
Tariffs (1)
3.2.2 Name the international trade policy that protects local producers
from unfair foreign competition.
Protectionism (1)
3.2.3 Briefly describe the term import quota.
A trade restriction that limits the quantity of goods and services that
can be purchased from other countries.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
3.2.4 Explain the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in
promoting free trade.
• The WTO acts as a forum for multilateral trade negotiations
• Administers and implements multilateral trade agreements
• Resolves trade disputes and supervise the reviewing of national
trade policies
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
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3.2.5 How can dumping impact on consumers in the importing
country?
• In the short-term, consumers in the importing country will pay lower
prices for goods and services.
• Consumers’ income will afford more goods and services which will
improve their welfare.
• In the long-term, consumers in importing countries may pay higher
prices on goods and services as competition decreases.
• Consumers’ choice will be limited as some local businesses will be
driven-out of the market by cheap foreign products.
• Consumers may find it difficult to adjust to local products when the
cheaper imports are withdrawn from the economy.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 2)
(4)
3.3 DATA RESPONSE
3.3.1 Identify a letter that represents developed countries in the map
above.
A (1)
3.3.2 Name ONE aspect (element) related to the standards of living.
• Per capita income
• Life expectancy
• Education
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (1)
3.3.3 Briefly describe the concept North/South divide
The socio-economic and political division between the developed
countries in the northern hemisphere and the developing countries in
the southern hemisphere.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
3.3.4 How can economic activities in the North impact on the
environment?
• Countries in the North practise mass production which involves the
burning of fossil fuels, resulting in the emission of greenhouse
gases that cause ozone depletion and climate change.
• Production of goods in large quantities may result in
overexploitation of natural resources.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
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3.3.5 Explain the challenges faced by developing countries when
trading with developed countries.
• Developing countries mainly export raw materials with less value
to developed countries and import manufactured products with
higher value from developed countries.
• Developed countries continue to subsidise production of their
agricultural goods, making it difficult for developing countries to
compete.
• Developed countries insist that developing countries should
remove tariffs on manufactured goods which makes manufacturers
in developing countries lose customers in their economies.
• Weaker currencies lead to developing countries paying more for
imports from developed countries
• Lack of new technologies limit the competitiveness of developing
countries on global markets
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 2) (4)
3.4 Discuss industrial development zones (IDZ) as South Africa’s initiative in
regional development
• An industrial development zone (IDZ) is a purpose-built industrial estate that
is physically enclosed, with export as the main objective
• An IDZ is often linked to an international airport or seaport, which makes it
easier to import and export the goods
• Industrial development zones (IDZs) fall outside the domestic custom zones
and are abe to import production inputs free of customs duties and trade
restrictions
• The imported inputs are used in the manufacturing process with the intention
of exporting the finished goods
• IDZs offer world-class infrastructure, a zero rate of VAT on supplies from
South African sources and reduced taxation on some products
IDZs were aimed to; -
• attract new investments in export-driven industries
• encourage economic growth by attracting foreign investments in industrial
development to boost export of valued added products
• enhance international competitiveness of local industries and thereby
expanding local markets
• create job opportunities and expand the skills base in the country
• provide government incentive programmes such reduced taxation, duty-free
imports and dedicated customs support services
• promote the exploitation of resource intensive industries and thereby
boosting industrialisation
• promote and develop links between domestic and zone-based industries.
• Examples of IDZs in South Africa include Coega IDZ, OR Tambo
International Airport, East London IDZ, Richards Bay IDZ and Saldanha Bay
IDZ
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(Allocate a maximum of 4 marks for mere listing of facts/examples)
(4 x 2) (8)
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3.5 Analyse the reasons why South African consumers prefer imported
goods and services.
South African consumers prefer importing goods and services because: -
• the removal of trade restriction through free trade agreements reduces the
cost of importing goods and services ✓✓
• some countries such as China and Kuwait have comparative advantage in
the production of certain goods which makes imports cheaper than locally
produced goods ✓✓
• some local consumers enjoy shopping exclusively because of brand loyalty,
increase in income and due to different tastes and preferences ✓✓
• imported goods and services may be of better quality than locally produced
products, especially in the case of textiles ✓✓
• online shopping platforms such as Shein make it more convenient for South
African consumers to buy products from other countries ✓✓
• certain goods and services may be available on local markets in limited
quantities ✓✓
• importing goods and services from different countries provides more choices
to consumers ✓✓
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(Allocate a maximum of 2 marks for mere listing of facts) (4 x 2) (8)
[40]
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QUESTION 4: MACROECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC PURSUITS
40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES
4.1 SHORT QUESTIONS
4.1.1 Name any TWO financial incentives used by the South African
government to improve industrial development.
• Small Businesses Support Program
• SEDA Technology Program / STP
• Skills Support Program / SSP
• Critical Infrastructure Programme / CIP
• Custom-free Incentives
• Foreign Investment Incentives
• Strategic Investment Program / SIP
• Services to Businesses Processes (2 x 1) (2)
4.1.2 Why does the government strive to keep public debt to at least
60% of gross domestic product (GDP)?
• Reduce the burden on the taxpayer as the repayment on interest
and loan comes from tax revenue
• Limiting public debt will mean that more money would be allocated
to other functional needs of the government
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
4.2 DATA RESPONSE
4.2.1 Identify, in the table above, the year in which the value of the
rand was the strongest.
2018 (1)
4.2.2 Name the exchange rate system used in South Africa
Free floating exchange rate system (1)
4.2.3 Briefly describe the term depreciation in relation to exchange
rates.
A decrease in the value of a currency in terms of another currency due
to changes in the forces of demand and supply.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
4.2.4 How can the government directly intervene in the foreign
exchange market when the local currency is undervalued?
The central bank can sell foreign currency in the market to increase
supply thereby reducing the exchange rate and the local currency will
appreciate.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
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4.2.5 Draw a correctly labelled graph to show the effect of an increase
in demand for US dollars in South Africa.
Price of dollars
D1
D S
e1
P1
e
P
D1
S D
0 Q1 Quantity of dollars
Q
ALLOCATION OF MARKS:
Correct labelling of axis = 1 mark
Correct drawing and labelling
of the original curves = 1 mark
Correct shifting of demand curve = 1 marks
Correct labelling on axis = 1 mark
Max. 4 marks
(4)
4.3 DATA RESPONSE
4.3.1 Identify the picture, using the letters above, that represents the
fourth industrial revolution.
D (1)
4.3.2 Name the government department that is responsible for
promoting industrial development in South Africa.
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition / DTIC (1)
4.3.3 Briefly describe the term manufacturing.
The process of converting raw materials or natural resources into
semi-finished and finished products.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
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4.3.4 Explain the influence of skills shortages on industrial
development.
• Industrial development may slow down as businesses may fail to
recruit highly skilled personnel.
• Potential investments in different industries may be discouraged by
low labour productivity.
• It may lead to increased operational costs as industries may have
to spend more on skills development
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2)
4.3.5 How can the National Research and Development Strategy
(NRDS) help to improve the South African economy?
• The NRDS involves the research on new technologies which help
to increase productivity.
• Research on new production techniques may result in higher
output which will stimulate economic growth.
• Introduction of new technologies may improve productive efficiency
which may lead to lower prices in the economy.
• New way of doing business such as internet sales may be more
convenient and cost effective to consumers and producers.
• Artificial intelligence may help to solve complex problems in the
economy.
• The development of new technologies may create new jobs such
data analysts.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (2 x 2) (4)
4.4 Discuss the necessity of the public sector in the economy.
• The public sector provides community goods such as streetlights free-of-
charge because free riders cannot be excluded in their consumption.
• The state supplies collective goods such as stadiums and parks for a user
fee or charge to discourage abuse of public goods by free-riders.
• The state uses subsidies to encourages the production and consumption of
merit goods such as education and healthcare because they are socially
beneficial.
• The government uses taxes to discourage production and consumption of
demerit goods such as alcohol and cigarettes because they are harmful to
human beings.
• The government assumes the role of the ‘protector’ of the environment by
formulating and imposing legislation that will ensure its sustainability.
• The government is responsible for managing the collective interests of its
citizens. ✓✓
• Ensures a social and legislative environment in which individuals and
businesses can pursue their own interests to the maximum. ✓✓
• Applies suitable and credible economic policies in order to achieve
internationaly respected economic objectives.
• Promotes policies that ensure equal opportunities for all citizens
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(Allocate a maximum of 4 marks for mere listing of facts) (4 x 2) (8)
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4.5 How does the South African government use fiscal policy to improve the
standard of living?
The SA government uses the fiscal policy to improve the standard of
living in the country by:
• using tax revenue to pay social grants such as old age grant, child support
grant and disability grants to improve the standard of living for the
disadvantaged groups.
• using progressive income tax system which aims to redistribute income by
levying high tax rates on high income earners and low tax rates on low incme
earners.
• providing benefits in kind such as free basic health care and education to
ensure that the standard of living for the economically marginalised citizens
improves.
• addressing economic challenges of unemployment by extending
unemployment grant of R350 to maintain a better standard of living.
• providing temporary employment and sources of income through the
expanded public works programmes.
• paying property subsidies to people earning less than R3500 per month for
them to afford housing.
• levying wealth taxes to finance social development expenditure that benefit
the poor more than the rich.
• implementing redress measures such as BBBEE and affirmative action to
improve the standard of living for the previously disadvantaged groups.
(Accept any other correct relevant response)
(Allocate a maximum of 2 marks for mere listing of facts) (4 x 2) (8)
[40]
TOTAL SECTION B: 80
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SECTION C
Answer any ONE of the two questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK.
QUESTION 5: MACROECONOMICS 40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES
• Discuss in detail the new economic paradigm in smoothing-out business
cycles. (26)
• How can an increase in economic activity impact on businesses? (10)
INTRODUCTION
• The new economic paradigm suggests that it is possible to implement measures to
promote economic growth and reduce unemployment without provoking inflation.
• The new economic paradigm is embedded in both demand-side and supply-side
policies.
(Accept any other relevant introduction) (Max 2)
BODY: MAIN PART
Demand-side policies:
• Traditional monetary and fiscal policies focus on manipulating aggregate demand to
influence economic activity.
Monetary policy:
• When the level of economic activity is low the SARB can use expansionary
measures to stimulate economic activities.
• An expansionary monetary policy can be implemented during a recession in order
to stimulate economic activities.
• Interest rates can be reduced to make borrowing cheaper and encourage spending
by households and businesses.
• The level of economic activity increases as investment will be attracted and more
factors of production will be employed.
• Higher levels of production, income and expenditure will be achieved.
• Inflation will increase if the supply of goods and services does not increase in line
with increase in demand.
Fiscal policy:
• When the level of economic activity is low the minister of finance can use
expansionary fiscal measures to stimulate growth and reduce unemployment.
• An expansionary fiscal policy can be implemented during a recession in order to
stimulate economic activities.
• An increase in government expenditure will increase aggregate demand.
• When there is an increase in injection in the economy, production will increase
resulting more factors of production being employed.
• Higher income and expenditure will stimulate economic activity.
• Taxes can be reduced, which will lead to an increase in disposable income.
• Consumer spending and investments will increase, stimulating aggregate demand
in the economy.
(Allocate marks for the discussion on how monetary and fiscal policies are
used to smooth-out business cycles, ie. Expansionary policies to promote
economic growth and reduce unemployment at the trough and restrictive
policies to reduce inflation at the peak)
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Effects of demand-side and supply-side policies
(New economic paradigm)
General price level
AS
AS1
e1
P1
e e2
P
AD1
AD
0 Q Q1 Q2 Real output
ALLOCATION OF MARKS:
Labelling of axis = 1 mark
Labelling of the curves = 1 mark
Shifting of AD and AS = 2 marks
Total = 4 marks
Inflation:
• Aggregate demand and supply are in equilibrium at point e, where AD = AS.
• More real output Q2 is produced without any price increases, if aggregate demand
shifts from AD to AD1 while aggregate supply relocates to AS1.
• Supply is often fixed in the short-term which makes aggregate supply to remain the
same when aggregate demand increases.
• An increase in aggregate demand to AD1 while aggregate supply remains the same
will form a new equilibrium point e1.
• Real output increases from Q to Q1 but the general price level also increases from
P to P1 leading to inflation.
• The solution is to implement supply-side measures such as skills development to
ensure that supply is more flexible.
Unemployment:
• Demand-side policies are effective in stimulating economic growth by increasing
aggregate demand during economic recession.
• Economic growth increases the demand for labour and reduces
unemployment.
• When unemployment falls inflation starts to rise, as illustrated by the Phillips
curve.
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Phillips curve
ALLOCATION OF MARKS:
Labelling of x-axis = 1 mark
Labelling of curve = 1 mark
Labelling of y-axis = 1 mark
Labelling on axes = 1 mark
Total = 4 marks
Accept the Phillips curve that does not intersect
the horizontal axis.
• The Phillips curve shows the negative or inverse relationship between
unemployment and inflation.
• PC shows the initial situation, point A wher the PC curve intersects the horizontal
axis.
• Point A shows natural rate of unemployment of 14%, which is the level of
employment that causes no pressure on wages and therefore has no inflationary
effects.
• At levels of unemployment below point A (14%), inflation starts to increase.
• If the economy is stimulated so that the unemployment rate falls to 10% at point B,
wages increase to such an extent that inflation increases to 2%.
• A further decrease in unemployment to 8% at point C causes inflation to increase to
6%
• Supply-side measures can be used to relocate the Phillips curve leftwards from PC
to PC1.
• Supply-side measures include improved education, effective training and fewer
restrictions on immigration of skilled workers.
• Natural unemployment decreases from 14% at point A to 9% at point D, without
provoking inflation (inflation rate remains at 0%).
• Demand can be stimulated to higher levels, before the increases in employment
have an effect on inflation rate.
Supply-side policies:
• A demand-side approach does not render desirable outcome because growth has
to be cut due to problems in inflation.
• Aggregate supply needs to be managed to achieve greater output by focusing on
increased flexibility of supply components.
• The governments can support suppliers in a way that will allow them to respond to
changes in demand.
• Reduction of costs allows greater output to be supplied at any given price level.
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Government measures to reduce cost of doing business
• Reduce the cost of infrastructural services such as communication, transport and
energy costs.
• Reduce administrative costs such as inspections and regulations that add to overall
costs.
• Cash incentives such as subsidies can be used to lower the production cost.
• Compensation to exporters can be used to encourage increased production aimed
at foreign markets.
Measures to improve efficiency of inputs
• Lower rates of personal income tax can be used as incentives for high productivity
and increase aggregate supply.
• Replacing capital goods on a regular basis will create opportunities for businesses
to keep up with technological development.
• Human resources development where the quality of labour can be improved by
improving health care, education and training which will increase the efficiency of
businesses.
• Free advisory services to promote opportunities to export and establish business
activities in foreign countries which includes weather forecasts, veterinary services
and research.
Measures to improve efficiency of markets
• Deregulation where laws and regulations are removed to improve the flexibility of
markets.
• Competition is encouraged by promoting the establishment of new businesses,
inviting foreign direct investments and removing power imbalances.
• Levelling the playing fields, through privatisation, to allow private businesses to
compete with public enterprises.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (Max 26)
(Allocate a maximum of 8 marks for mere listing of facts / examples)
ADDITIONAL PART
An increase in economic activity may impact on businesses as follows:
• Demand for goods and services produced by businesses increases as households
receive more income from more employment opportunities.
• Businesses may incur higher labour cost by employing more workers to produce
more goods and services.
• Manufacturers may need to use more technologically advanced production
techniques to increase productivity.
• Businesses’ profits will increase due to higher sales of goods and services.
• Exporters may generate more foreign exchange from selling more goods and
services to export markets.
• Businesses may import production inputs at lower cost as the rand appreciates
during economic upswing.
• Retail businesses may need to increase their inventory levels as more consumer
goods and services will be purchased.
• New businesses are established as potential investors become optimistic with the
economy.
(Accept any other correct higher order, relevant response) (Max 10)
(Allocate a maximum of 2 marks for mere listing of facts / examples)
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CONCLUSION
The government should ensure that demand-side policies are supported by supply-side
policies which helps to achieve economic growth while ensuring price stability.
(Accept any other correct higher order, relevant conclusion) (Max 2) [40]
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SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 6: ECONOMIC PURSUITS 40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES
• Discuss in detail the various economic indicators. (26 marks)
• How can social indicators assist the government in improving decision-
making? (10 marks)
INTRODUCTION
Economic indicators are statistical data used to establish the performance of an
economy in terms of the economic objectives of growth, price stability, exchange rate
stability and employment.
(Accept any other correct relevant introduction) (Max 2)
BODY: MAIN PART
1) Inflation indicators
• SARB aims to keep the inflation rate stable between 3 and 6% (inflation target).
• Price increases occur either because of scarcity of goods and services or changes
in consumer preferences.
• There are two key inflation indicators:
a) Producer price index (PPI):
• PPI is used to measure changes in the prices of goods produced locally when
they leave the factory floor and imported goods when they enter the country.
• The indicator consists of a basket of local, exported and imported goods.
• The index measures the cost of production and it serves as an indicator to predict
consumer inflation (CPI).
b) Consumer price index (CPI):
• CPI is the weighted average of the prices of a general basket of goods and
services likely to be bought by consumers.
• Weights are obtained from the expenditure of households and show changes in
the purchasing power of the rand.
• CPI is the official index used in inflation targeting.
• The index measures the cost of living and it is used by labour unions to negotiate
for wage increases.
2) Foreign trade indicators
• In an increasingly globalised world, international trade is most important.
• Exports stimulate employment and imports widen the choice of consumers.
• There are two key foreign trade indicators:
a) Terms of trade:
• Terms of trade (ToT) is the ratio of export price index to import price index.
• A deterioration in the terms of trade is caused by an increase in import prices and
a decrease in export prices.
• A greater volume of exports may need to be produced to maintain export
earnings, if the terms of trade decline.
• An improvement in the terms of trade is caused by a decrease in import prices
and an increase in export prices.
• The economy will spend less for the same amount of imports if the terms of trade
increase.
• Changes in the terms of trade serve as an indicator of changes that may cause
spill over effects into the Balance of Payments and the local currency may
appreciate or depreciate.
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b) Exchange rate:
• Exchange rate refers to the value of a country’s currency in terms of another
currency.
• Exchange rates between countries differ, in other words, while the rand may
depreciate against the US dollar, it may appreciate against the Chinese
yuan.
• Changes in an exchange rate affect the prices for imports and export earnings.
• Depreciation of the rand against the dollar will result in US goods and services
becoming more expensive in South Africa.
• Appreciation of the rand against the US dollar will make South African exports to
the US more expensive thereby reducing demand.
3) Employment indicators
a) The economically active population (EAP)/Labour force:
• Economically Active Population refers to the labour force between 15 – 65 years
of age.
• EAP includes workers in the formal sector, informal sector, employers, self-
employed persons and unemployed persons.
b) Employment rate:
• Employment rate is the number of employed persons expressed as a percentage
of the economically active population (EAP).
• The South African employment rate was approximately 67.4% in 2023.
• High level of employment is an indicator of a strong economy with high levels of
growth and development.
• Employment indicators are used to calculate the trends in different economic
sectors or industries, productivity and success of the economy in utilising its full
potential.
c) Unemployment rate:
• Unemployment rate is the number of unemployed people (who are actively
looking for work) expressed as a percentage of the economically active
population.
• Statistics South Africa obtains labour data from the Quarterly Labour Force
Surveys to calculate unemployment.
• In South Africa the official unemployment rate was approximately 32,6% in 2023
and is the major cause of poverty.
4) Productivity indicators
• Labour productivity is watched very closely, particularly in relation to real wage
increases.
a) Labour productivity:
• Labour productivity is measured by dividing the real GDP by the number of
workers employed.
• In South Africa labour productivity increases at a lower rate than the increase in
labour remuneration
b) Remuneration per worker:
• When productivity increases are lower than the real wage increases, inflationary
pressures will occur.
• The relationship between productivity and wages is crucial for employers and
workers and they are therefore important indicators.
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5) Interest rates
• Interest rate is the cost of borrowing money as well as returns of capital invested.
• Repo rate is the main factor used to measure interest rates.
• Repo rate is the rate at which the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) lends money
to commercial banks.
• An increase in interest rates means that households and businesses will pay higher
repayment instalments on their debts.
• Higher interest rates signal a downturn in business cycles and some workers may
lose their jobs and incomes fall.
6) Money supply
• In South Africa the supply of money is controlled by the SARB.
• Money supply is classified into the following three categories.
a) M1: it consists of bank notes and coins in circulation and demand deposits of
the domestic private sector at banks.
b) M2: it consists of M1 plus other short term and medium-term deposits of the
domestic private sector at banks.
c) M3: it consists of M2 plus long-term deposits of the domestic private sector at
banks.
(Accept any other correct relevant responses)
(Allocate a max of 8 marks for headings/subheadings/examples) (Max 26)
(Allocate a maximum of 12 marks for the discussion of business cycles
indicators, ie. leading, coincident, lagging and composite indicators)
ADDITIONAL PART
Social indicators can assist the government in improving decision-making as
follows:
• The government uses demographic information to plan for the future and achieve
certain outcomes such as welfare services for the old age.
• Population growth allows the government to identify the size of the tax base and
determine the amount of social services they will be able to deliver.
• The size of a country’s population helps the government to plan for its
infrastructure projects and social programmes.
• Urbanisation indicators help the government to indicate the availability of the
labour force and plan on the availability of land for human settlement and
economic purposes.
• Malnutrition and obesity indicators help the government to decide on how much
to invest in the national health system and feeding schemes.
• Housing indicators help the government to determine the housing needs of
citizens and know how much it needs to invest in housing projects in order to
improve the standard of living.
• Education indicators allow the government to determine the future supply of
skilled labour and implement suitable measures to improve the quality of
education.
• Indicators measuring access to basic services such as electricity, water and
sanitation help the government to evaluate its performance in service delivery and
identify areas of improvement.
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• Health indicators help the government to investigate health-related issues and
formulate strategies to improve the overall health status of the country.
(Accept any other correct relevant response) (Max. 10)
(Allocate a maximum of 2 marks for mere listing of facts / examples)
CONCLUSION
Policy makers should monitor the trends followed by economic indicators to ensure that
they implement suitable policies to improve the performance of the economy.
(Accept any other relevant higher order conclusion) (Max. 2) [40]
•
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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