# Economics Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC November 2025 Memo (English)

> Grade 12 Economics Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2025 (English), 22 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

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- Updated: 2026-09-28
- Subject: Economics
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Memorandum
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: NSC November Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 22

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## About this document

Economics · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025. Memorandum, 22 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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### Page 1

NATIONAL
                               SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                                     GRADE 12

                                   ECONOMICS P1

                                   NOVEMBER 2025

                               MARKING GUIDELINES

MARKS: 150

                     These marking guidelines consists of 22 pages.

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Economics/P1                                   2                              DBE/November 2025
                                    NSC – Marking Guidelines

PRINCIPLES FOR MARKING ECONOMICS – NSC OCT/NOV 2025
The following marking principles have been developed to standardise marking in all provinces.
MARKING
• ALL questions and responses in candidates’ scripts MUST be marked, irrespective of whether
   it is correct or incorrect.
• Where responses are in excess of what the instruction required, the following should apply
   ➢ In section A, where candidates give TWO responses, the first response should be marked.
   ➢ In section B, (2.1.1, 3.1.1 and 4.1.1) mark the first TWO responses and indicate M 2 for
        responses that are in excess of what the question required.
   ➢ In section B data response questions that require specific number of responses, (E.g. 2.2.1
        and 2.2.2) mark the first response and indicate M 1 for responses that are in excess.
   ➢ In section B and C (choice questions), indicate EXTRA on questions in excess of the
        required number.
   ➢ Where the maximum marks have been allocated for a particular question, mark all the
        responses up to the maximum marks for the question and indicate either M 2 or M 8 or
        M 10 or M 26. Thereafter, draw a line on the right-hand side of the responses that are in
        excess.
• A clear, neat tick must be used:
   ➢ If ONE mark is allocated, ONE tick must be used: ✓
   ➢ If TWO marks are allocated, TWO ticks must be used: ✓✓
   ➢ The tick must be placed at the FACT that a mark is being allocated for.
   ➢ Ticks must be kept SMALL, as various levels of moderation may take place.
• Incorrect answers must be marked with a clear, neat cross: 
   ➢ Use one cross on every incorrect response in questions where candidates are required to
        give more than one response.
   ➢ Try NOT to underline the candidates’ responses
 • For the following action words, ONE-word answers are acceptable: list, name, state, identify
 • For the following action words, a FULL sentence must be written: describe, explain, evaluate,
    analyse, suggest, differentiate, distinguish, define, discuss, why, how
 • The following action words need to be read within their context to determine whether a ONE-
    word answer or FULL sentence is required: provide, what, tabulate, identify and give
 • Where candidates are required to draw a graph, mark the graph according to a marking grid
    provided in the official marking guideline.
 • Where candidates are required to do calculations, the final answer would not necessarily be
    awarded full marks. 3 marks are awarded for the calculations and 1 mark for the final
    answer.
NOTE THE FOLLOWING
• If the numbering is incorrect or left out, as long as the sequence of answers to questions is
   followed candidates can be credited
• Where there are spelling errors, award the marks provided the meaning is correct.
• Pay attention to the sense of responses, which may be stated in a different way.
• In multiple-choice questions where a letter is the accepted response, but the learner writes the
   actual answer- award marks.
• There will be addendum to the marking guidelines for the marking of certain questions.
TOTALLING AND TRANSFERRING OF MARKS
• The sub-total for each sub-question must be recorded on the right-margin
  ➢ Question1 in Section A has THREE sub-sections and THREE sub-totals should be recorded
     on the right margin.
  ➢ Questions in Section B have FIVE sub-sections and FIVE sub-totals should be recorded on
     the right margin.
  ➢ Sub-totals must be written legibly and leave space for moderated marks on the right margin
• The total mark for each question should be recorded on the top left margin next to the question
  number and transfer to cover page of answer book

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Economics/P1                                  3                         DBE/November 2025
                                   NSC – Marking Guidelines

 SECTION A (COMPULSORY)

 QUESTION 1

 1.1       MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

           1.1.1     A – endogenous explanation 
           1.1.2     B – 1 
           1.1.3     D – bureaucracy 
           1.1.4     C – absolute
           1.1.5     D – specific 
           1.1.6     B – progressive 
           1.1.7     A – Integrated Manufacturing Strategy 
           1.1.8     C – 15 and 64                                                (8 x 2)   (16)

 1.2       MATCHING ITEMS

           1.2.1     G – the amount of money spent on final goods and services within
                         a country 

           1.2.2     I – shows the general direction in which the economy is moving 

           1.2.3     E – consists of a three-year rolling expenditure and revenue
                         projection of the government 

           1.2.4     A – the value of a currency is determined by the forces of demand
                          and supply 

           1.2.5     B – developing countries undergoing rapid economic growth and
                         Industrialisation 

           1.2.6     F – changes in interest rates and money supply to influence the
                         economy 

           1.2.7     D – a geographical area that shows a cluster of businesses in a
                         specific sector, such as manufacturing and technology 

           1.2.8     C – the relationship between real output and factor input  (8 x 1)      (8)

 1.3       GIVE THE TERM

           1.3.1     Recession 
           1.3.2     Laffer curve 
           1.3.3     International trade / Foreign trade 
           1.3.4     Protectionism 
           1.3.5     Land restitution 
           1.3.6     Demographic indicators          (6 x 1)                                 (6)

                                                                  TOTAL SECTION A:            30

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Economics/P1                                    4                           DBE/November 2025
                                     NSC – Marking Guidelines

 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       Answer the following questions.

           2.1.1     Give any TWO examples of leading indicators.

                     •   Job advertising space 
                     •   Number of building plans approved
                     •   Number of vehicles sold
                     •   Net gold and other foreign reserves
                     •   Real merchandise exports
                     •   New companies registered
                     •   Gold ore milled
                     •   Interest rate spread
                     •   Composite leading business cycle indicator for South Africa’s major
                         trading-partner countries
                     •   Commodity price index for South Africa’s main export commodities
                         (US dollar based) 
                     •   Average hours worked per factory worker in manufacturing (half
                         weight) 
                     •   Volume of orders in manufacturing (half weight) 
                     •   Business Confidence Index
                     •   Real M1 
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                 (2 x 1)     (2)

           2.1.2     How can the government exclude free riders from the
                     consumption of public goods?

                     •  The government may impose user charges/fees/levies for using
                        collective goods such as stadiums and national roads. 
                     • The government may use taxes to prevent free-riders from
                        consuming public goods by forcing everyone to contribute
                        financially. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                (1 x 2)          (2)

 2.2       DATA RESPONSE.

           2.2.1     Identify the item that records the purchase of shares in the table
                     above.

                     Net portfolio investments                                                   (1)

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Economics/P1                                   5                          DBE/November 2025
                                    NSC – Marking Guidelines

           2.2.2     Name the sub-account of the balance of payment that records
                     transactions relating to debt forgiveness.

                     Capital transfer account                                                  (1)

           2.2.3     Briefly describe the term direct investment.

                     An investment in real estate or fixed property and obtaining a
                     meaningful share (10%+) or control of such business / It includes
                     transactions relating to investments in foreign businesses and fixed
                     property.
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                               (2)

           2.2.4     Explain the purpose of unrecorded transactions in the balance of
                     payments.

                     To cater for errors and omissions in terms of timing, coverage and
                     valuation. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                               (2)

           2.2.5     Use the information above to determine whether there is an
                     increase or decrease in the reserve assets (A). Show ALL
                     calculations.

                     Balance on Financial Account                          62 869
                     Less: balance on financial account excluding
                           reserve assets                                  63 066 
                     = Reserve assets                                        -197
                                                      OR
                     Reserve assets = 62 869 – 13 481 – 4 311 + 23 348 – 68 622 
                                    = -197

                     There is an increase in the reserve assets because the value of
                     reserve assets has a negative sign (-).                                   (4)

 2.3       DATA RESPONSE

           2.3.1     Identify the level of inflation where unemployment rate is 10% in
                     the graph above.

                     6%                                                                        (1)

           2.3.2     Give the concept that relates to the level of unemployment where
                     inflation rate is zero.

                     Natural rate of unemployment                                              (1)

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Economics/P1                                    6                            DBE/November 2025
                                     NSC – Marking Guidelines

           2.3.3     Briefly describe the concept new economic paradigm in relation
                     to business cycles.

                     It is the smoothing of business cycles (achieving price stability) through
                     the use of demand-side and supply-side policies / It is possible to
                     promote economic growth without provoking inflation by using demand-
                     side and supply-side policies. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                                  (2)

           2.3.4     Explain the relationship between unemployment and inflation as
                     illustrated by the above graph.

                     There is an inverse/ trade-off/ negative relationship between
                     unemployment and inflation. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                                  (2)

           2.3.5     How can the government improve efficiency of markets in the
                     economy?

                     •  The government should remove laws and regulations
                        (deregulation) to improve the flexibility of markets. 
                     • Encourage competition by promoting the establishment of new
                        businesses, inviting foreign direct investments and removing power
                        imbalances. 
                     • Levelling the playing field to ensure that all market participants have
                        equal opportunities and no business is unfairly disadvantaged. 
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)                      (2 x 2)   (4)

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Economics/P1                                  7                           DBE/November 2025
                                   NSC – Marking Guidelines

 2.4       Briefly discuss full-employment and economic equity as macroeconomic
           objectives of the government.

           Full employment
           • Full employment is when all people who are looking for jobs get
              employed.
           • The aim of the government is to create decent and sustainable jobs.
           • Employment rate is measured as the percentage of the economically active
              population (EAP) that is employed.
           • In the short-term, employment can be increased by using direct employment
              schemes and subsidies such as youth employment subsidies.
           • In the medium term, government can support labour intensive activities
              especially in agricultural sector and provide investment incentives to
              businesses in industries that employ many people such as the
              manufacturing industry.
           • In the long term, the government can support knowledge intensive and
              capital-intensive sectors in order to remain competitive or improve the
              quality of education and training to increase the employability of the future
              labour force.
              (Accept any other correct relevant response)                           (2 x 2)
           Economic equity
           • Economic equity refers to a situation whereby the resources of the economy
             are equally distributed amongst the population.
           • Income is more equally distributed when the Gini-coefficient is less than
             0,5.
           • The distribution of income in the economy is not fair, as some people earn
             a large amount of money while others earn less.

           • In SA the income gap is still high as evidenced by the Gini-coefficient of
             above 0,6.
           • Through the progressive tax system, the government can redistribute
             income.
           • Progressive taxation means that higher income earners pay higher tax
             rates.
           • The government can help the poor with free basic education, free basic
             health-care, social grants, free services and subsidies.
             (Accept any other correct relevant response)                          (2 x 2)
             (A maximum of 4 marks my be allocated for mere listing of
             facts/examples)                                                                    (8)

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Economics/P1                                   8                           DBE/November 2025
                                    NSC – Marking Guidelines

 2.5       How can the appreciation of the rand impact the South African economy?

           Positive impact
           • Importing production inputs such as crude oil, agricultural chemicals and
             vehicle parts will become less expensive curbing cost-push inflation 
           • Lower cost of importing production inputs may increase domestic
             production which will stimulate economic growth and lower prices for goods
             and services 
           • Foreign investors may be attracted to invest more in the economy because
             a stronger rand increases the returns on their investments 
           • Import payments will decrease which may increase welfare as more
             resources may be used to produce more exports to finance higher cost of
             import 
           • Export earnings will increase, resulting in an improvement in trade
             balance.
           • In the short-term, the terms of trade will improve as the prices of exports will
             be higher than import prices
           • Outbound tourism activities will increase as more South African tourists will
             visit other countries due to the stronger rand 
           Negative impact
           • Demand for South African exports such as base metals and mineral
             products will decrease as they become relatively expensive 
           • Local businesses will suffer in terms of profits due to their products
             becoming less competitive in global markets 
           • Unemployment levels may increase as local businesses will be forced to
             reduce their production due to reduced exports 
           • Inbound tourism activities will decrease as less tourists visit the country due
             to the stronger rand 
           • Balance of payments deficit will increase as less goods are exported while
             more goods are imported due to a stronger currency 
             (Accept any other correct relevant response)                             (4 x 2)
             (A maximum of 2 marks may be allocated for mere listing of
                                                                                                 (8)
             facts/examples)
                                                                                                 [40]

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Economics/P1                                     9                           DBE/November 2025
                                      NSC – Marking Guidelines

 QUESTION 3: ECONOMIC PURSUITS                                   40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

 3.1       Answer the following questions.

           3.1.1     Name any TWO international organisations that require members
                     to standardise economic and social indicators.
                     •   International Monetary Fund (IMF) 
                     •   World bank 
                     •   United nations (UN) 
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                  (2 x 1)    (2)

           3.1.2     How can export promotion lead to economic growth?
                     Export subsidies and incentives may encourage the production of
                     goods and services for exporting which increases the gross domestic
                     product and stimulates economic growth. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                  (1 x 2)        (2)

 3.2       DATA RESPONSE

           3.2.1     Identify the service to which the households have the lowest
                     access in the graph above.
                     Refuse removal                                                              (1)

           3.2.2     Name the social indicator that relates to the migration of people
                     from rural areas to urban areas.
                     Urbanisation                                                                (1)

           3.2.3     Briefly describe the term sanitation.
                     The provision of facilities and services, such as toilets, garbage
                     disposal and sewerage system, to ensure safe disposal of human
                     waste, hygiene and cleans environment to protect people’s health. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                                 (2)

           3.2.4     Explain the impact of an increase in population on a country’s
                     labour force.
                     •   An increase in population increases the number of people who are
                         available to work increasing the labour force. 
                     •   An increase in supply of labour may lead to lower wages and
                         salaries for the labour force. 
                     •   A larger population brings a variety of skills and experiences to the
                         labour market. 
                     •   An increasing population may cause unemployment because there
                         might not be enough jobs for everyone seeking work. 
                     •   Social and economic inequalities gap may widen as some groups
                         cannot access education, training, and job opportunities. 
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                             (2)

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Economics/P1                                   10                          DBE/November 2025
                                     NSC – Marking Guidelines

           3.2.5     How can access to clean water boost a country’s economic
                     performance?

                     • Clean water helps prevent diseases thus keeping workers healthy,
                       reduces sick days, and boosts productivity. 
                     • Access to clean water promotes regular school attendance that
                       leads to a better-educated workforce with higher earning
                       potential.
                     • Access to clean water may attract tourists to the country which
                       increases economic activity. 
                     • Countries with reliable supply of clean water are more attractive to
                       businesses that want to invest.
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)                 (2 x 2)      (4)

 3.3       DATA RESPONSE

           3.3.1     Identify in the extract above the trade protocol that aims to
                     reconstruct and develop Southern Africa’s social and economic
                     framework.

                     Southern African Development Community / SADC                              (1)

           3.3.2     Name the international organisation that facilitates free trade.

                     World Trade Organisation / WTO                                             (1)

           3.3.3     Briefly describe the term trade liberalisation.

                     The abolishment of government intervention in trade flows on both the
                     import and the export side. / The removal of trade restrictions such as
                     tariffs and quotas on exports and imports to allow free flows of goods
                     and services between countries.
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                                (2)

           3.3.4     Explain a benefit of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA)
                     to South Africa.

                     •   Local producers may enjoy duty-free access on their exports to the
                         USA market which makes their goods more competitive. 
                     •   AGOA promotes industrial growth and diversification in South
                         Africa.
                     •   Increase in exports production may lead to an increase in
                         employment in South Africa. 
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                            (2)

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Economics/P1                                   11                           DBE/November 2025
                                     NSC – Marking Guidelines

           3.3.5     How can dumping impact producers in importing countries?
                     •   Producers in importing countries may face unfair competition as
                         foreign enterprises sell their product at very low prices. 
                     •   Local producers may be forced to shut down their operations due
                         to low demand for their products. 
                     •   Businesses in importing countries may be forced to reduce their
                         prices to match prices of foreign products which may lead to low
                         profit margins. 
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                  (2 x 2)    (4)

 3.4       Briefly discuss Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Programme
           (BBBEE) and National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) as South
           African growth and development policies and strategic initiatives.
           Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Programme (BBBEE)
           • BBBEE promotes inclusive economic participation for black South Africans
              to address historical inequalities. 
           • The strategy provides a legal basis for the transformation of the South
              African economy. 
           • The objectives are redress and affirmative action in the workplace and
              business environments. 
           • BBBEE promotes growth and development through preferential
              procurement, enterprise development, skills development, and the
              promotion of ownership and management. 
              (Accept any other correct relevant response)                     (2 x 2)

           National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS)
           • The NSDS aims to improve the skills of the South African labour force to
              meet economic needs, reduce unemployment, and promote equity. 
           • The NSDS is intended to radically transform education and training in South
              Africa.
           • The strategy identifies and provides training for skills that are in high
              demand to boost economic productivity. 
           • The NSDS improves the quality training programs, through partnerships
              between educational institutions, employers, and SETAs. 
           • The strategy focuses on providing skills acquisition opportunities to
              historically disadvantaged groups, to transform racial and gender
              inequalities in the labour force. 
              (Accept any other correct relevant response)                        (2 x 2)
              (A maximum of 4 marks may be allocated for mere listing of
              facts/examples)                                                                     (8)

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Economics/P1                                  12                            DBE/November 2025
                                    NSC – Marking Guidelines

 3.5       How can changes in the various economic indicators be used to show
           improvement in the performance of the economy?
           •   A decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows lower cost of living in
               the economy which triggers an increase in demand for goods and
               services.
           •   A decline in the Producer Price Index (PPI) indicates lower cost of
               production and encourages the production of more goods and services.
           •   An improvement in the terms of trade means that South Africa gets more
               income for exports which is used to finance import expenditure,
               strengthening economic stability in the short term.
           •   An improved terms of trade may reflect a surplus in the current account
               which serves as a yardstick for a healthy economy.
           •   A higher employment rate reflects economic stability which boosts
               consumer spending, tax revenues, and economic growth.
           •   Higher labour productivity indicates enhanced economic efficiency,
               competitiveness, and GDP growth.
           •   Lower interest rates encourage spending and investment to boost economic
               activity.
           •   Higher interest rates curb inflation and attracts foreign investment which will
               lead to an increase in economic growth.
           •   A weaker exchange rate means results in exports becoming cheaper and
               more competitive in the global market which improves the trade balance of
               the current account.
           •   A stronger exchange rate shows that the country will pay less for imports
               which reduces inflation.
           •   An increase in money supply (M1, M2 and M3) reflects higher liquidity,
               expanding credit availability and boosting short-term spending.
               (Accept any other correct relevant response)                           (4 x 2)
               (A maximum of 2 marks may be allocated for mere listing of
               facts/examples)                                                                    (8)
                                                                                                  [40]

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Economics/P1                                     13                        DBE/November 2025
                                       NSC – Marking Guidelines

 QUESTION 4: MACROECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC PURSUITS
                                           40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

 4.1       Answer the following questions.

           4.1.1     Name any TWO demand reasons for international trade.
                     •   Size of the population
                     •   Income levels
                     •   Change in the wealth of the population
                     •   Preferences and taste
                     •   The difference in consumption patterns
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                 (2 x 1)    (2)

           4.1.2     How can literacy levels be improved in developing countries?
                     •   The government must build more schools and increase access to
                         education.
                     •   Implement policies and programmes that encourage learners to
                         read for meaning at elementary levels.
                     •   Make funding available and accessible to all marginalised
                         communities.
                     •   Implement policies that make it compulsory for all the children to
                         attend schooling. 
                         (Accept any other correct relevant response)                (1 x 2)     (2)

 4.2       DATA RESPONSE

           4.2.1     Identify ONE factor that contributes to poor public sector
                     provisioning in the above cartoon.
                     Accountability                                                             (1)

           4.2.2     Name the type of public goods that are supplied free-of-charge.
                     Community goods                                                            (1)

           4.2.3     Briefly describe the term public sector failure.

                     • Public sector failure is when the government fails to manage the
                       economy and the resources under its control optimally.
                     • Occurs when the government fails to provide public goods in the
                       desired quantities and quality.
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)                              (2)

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Economics/P1                                  14                          DBE/November 2025
                                    NSC – Marking Guidelines

           4.2.4     Explain the effect of an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on
                     businesses.
                     • Businesses may incur additional cost when adjusting the prices of
                       goods and services that are VAT linked. 
                     • Businesses may be faced with lower demand for goods and
                       services which may lead to a decline in sales revenue. 
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)                             (2)

           4.2.5     How can the privatisation of parastatals positively impact the
                     government?
                     • Privatisation reduces the fiscal burden and state borrowing as the
                       sale of public assets to the private sector generates additional
                       revenue for the government. 
                     • The tax base for the government may expand which will increase
                       tax revenue resulting in greater financial capacity to deliver other
                       services.
                     • Privatisation helps the government to achieve developmental goals,
                       such as black economic empowerment through increased
                       ownership and control of businesses by the previously
                       disadvantaged groups. 
                     • Privatisation of state-owned enterprises may generate immediate
                       income for the government, which can be used to reduce state
                       debt.
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)                 (2 x 2)     (4)

 4.3       DATA RESPONSE

           4.3.1     Identify a socio-economic problem addressed by the Expanded
                     Public Works Programme in the extract above.
                     Unemployment                                                              (1)

           4.3.2     Name the growth and development policy that aims to eliminate
                     poverty and reduce inequality by 2030.
                     National Development Plan / NDP                                           (1)

           4.3.3     Briefly describe the term labour-intensive.
                     Processes or tasks that require more human efforts than capital to
                     produce goods and services. 
                     (Accept any other correct relevant response)                               (2)

           4.3.4     Explain the impact of poor infrastructure on economic growth.

                     • Poor infrastructure such as aging road networks may disrupt the
                       distribution of production inputs and final goods leading to low
                       production and a decline in economic growth. 
                     • Poor infrastructure may discourage foreign and domestic
                       investments which limits the production capacity of the economy

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Economics/P1                                  15                          DBE/November 2025
                                    NSC – Marking Guidelines

                         because it will be expensive for entrepreneurs to operate their
                         businesses. 

                     • Poor energy supply will make businesses to produce less output
                       which decreases economic growth. 
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)                             (2)

           4.3.5     How can the Expanded Public Works Programme help to improve
                     the standard of living?

                     • Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) provides temporary
                       employment opportunities which create sources of income for the
                       disadvantaged households.
                     • EPWP provides opportunities for skills development for the
                       participants to be absorbed into the labour market. 
                     • EPWP contributes to poverty alleviation by allowing households to
                       start small businesses using skills acquired.
                       (Accept any other correct relevant response)              (2 x 2)        (4)

 4.4       Briefly discuss specialisation and innovation as arguments in favour of
           free trade.
           Specialisation
           • Comparative advantage shows that world output can be increased if
             countries specialise in what they are relatively best at producing.
           • If countries specialise the goods for which they have a comparative
             advantage world trade and consumption will be maximised.
           • The effect of increasing living standards results in the trading of more goods
             and services.
           • Allows industries that have a comparative advantage with a lower
             opportunity cost.
           • Specialisation increases economic efficiency and prevents the wasting of
             resources.
           • Each country that is best suited for specific goods and services will engage
             in producing more of those goods or services.                         (2 x 2)
          Innovation
           • Free trade leads to increased competition, which provides a powerful
              incentive for innovation.
           • Free trade allows countries to introduce new products that can be exported
              to foreign markets 
           • Enterprises compete to find production methods that cut costs and improve
              quality and reliability of goods. 
           • Competition on international markets may force businesses to implement
              the latest technology and continuously improve their systems.  (2 x 2)
              (Accept any other correct relevant response)
              (A maximum of 4 marks may be allocated for mere listing of
               facts/examples)                                                                  (8)

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Economics/P1                                   16                            DBE/November 2025
                                     NSC – Marking Guidelines

 4.5       Analyse the fiscal policy measures that can be used to dampen the
           economy.
           •   Restrictive or contractionary fiscal policy is used during the prosperity phase
               of the business cycle to dampen the economy. 
           •   Decreasing government expenditure on infrastructural projects reduce
               demand for goods and services. 
           •   Cutting down on public sector wages (compensation of employees), may
               help to reduce aggregate demand for goods and services and discourage
               production. 
           •   Raising taxes on businesses will decrease profit prospects in the economy
               leading to an overall decline in the economic activity.
           •   Increasing personal income tax may reduce disposable income, leading to
               a decline in consumer spending.
           •   Increasing indirect taxes such as VAT, excise duties, etc. will increase the
               price of goods and services which reduces expenditure.
           •   Reduction in social spending, such as welfare grants, may reduce the
               households’ income level which leads to lower consumption
               expenditure.
           •   A decrease in subsidies and incentives offered to businesses may lead to
               lower production output as the actual production cost incurred by producers
               increases. 
           •   The government can provide incentives for savings, such as tax-free
               savings accounts, to encourage people to save rather than to spend. 
               (Accept any other correct relevant response)                             (4 x 2)
               (A maximum of 2 marks may be allocated for mere listing of                          (8)
                facts/examples)                                                                    [40]

                                                                        TOTAL SECTION B:           80

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Economics/P1                                17                          DBE/November 2025
                                  NSC – Marking Guidelines

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 markets within the four-sector circular flow model.
                                                                       (26 marks)
 • Evaluate the contribution of the business sectors to the development of the
   South African economy.                                              (10 marks)

 INTRODUCTION
 The circular flow is a simplified economic model that illustrates the inter-relationship
 between the economic participants.
 OR
 A market is a mechanism that brings buyers and sellers together to exchange different
 types of products.
 (Accept any other correct relevant introduction)                                (Max 2)
 BODY: MAIN PART
 FOUR TYPES OF MARKETS IN THE CIRCULAR FLOW
 (a) Goods market / Product market / Output market 
 • Product market is where goods and services are bought and sold.
 • Firms, government and foreign sector supply goods and services within the open
     economy which represents the real flow.
 • Consumers, firms, government and foreign sector buy goods and services from the
     goods market and their payments represent money flow.
 • Goods are defined as any tangible items such as food, clothing and cars that satisfy
     some human needs.
 • Services are defined as non-tangible actions which include transportation, retailing
     and financial transactions.
 • Consumer goods market involves the trading of durable consumer goods, semi-
     durable consumer goods and non-durable consumer goods.
 • A further distinction is made between the following consumer goods:
     - Non-durable goods are those items that are used up when they are consumed
        and cannot be re-used, such as petrol and beverages.
     - Semi-durable goods last for a short period of time and can be used more than
        once, such as printer cartridge and a pen.
     - Durable goods can be used over again and do not wear out very easily, such as
        vehicles and furniture.
 • Capital goods are those goods which are purchased by businesses for use in the
     production process and they are purchased in the capital goods market.
 (b) Factor market / Resources market / Input market 
 • Factor market is where factors of production are exchanged. 
 • The labour market, property market and the financial markets are part of the factor
     market. 
 • Households are the owners of factors of production and they sell them to firms to
     produce goods and services.
 • The factors of production are labour, entrepreneurship, capital and land and they are
     exchanged for wages, profit, interest, and rent respectively.

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Economics/P1                               18                          DBE/November 2025
                                 NSC – Marking Guidelines

 • The factors of production are labour, entrepreneurship, capital and land and they are
   exchanged for wages, profit, interest, and rent respectively.
 • The factor market can be further subdivided into the following markets in which
   different factors of production are traded:
   - A labour market where labour is traded, for example, the business done in
       employment agencies and labour brokers.
   - A natural resource market where land and other natural resources are traded.
 • Factor services are real flows and they are accompanied by counter flows of income
   on the factor market.
 (c) Financial markets 
 • Financial markets are not directly involved in production of goods and services, but
     act as a link between households and businesses with surplus income and other
     participants who need funds 
 • Banks, insurance companies and pension funds form part of the financial market.
 • Financial markets render financial services to the other participants in the economy
     by gathering surplus funds and lending them to those who needs funding 
     Money market 
     • The money market is the market for short-term savings and loans. 
     • Money market includes inter-bank lending for a period as short as overnight.
     • The securities traded include short term deposits, short term debentures and
       treasury bills.
     • The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is a key institution in the money
       market.
     • The SARB administers the function of legislating and managing the money
       market.
     Capital market 
     • The capital market is the market for long-term savings and loans.
     • The securities traded in this market are long term deposits, mortgage bonds and
       shares.
     • The Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) is a key institution in the capital
       market.
 (d) Foreign exchange market / Foreign currency market / Forex market
 • The foreign exchange market is where different currencies of all the countries are
     traded.  e.g. The South African rand can be exchanged for the US dollar in this
     market.
 • The foreign exchange market originates when one country imports goods from
     another country and domestic currency have to be exchanged in order to pay for
     such imports 
 • Foreign exchange can be bought and sold at the banks and foreign exchange
     agencies
 • The South African rand is freely traded in the forex markets and its value is
     determined by the market forces of demand and supply.
      (Accept any other correct relevant response)
      (Allocate a max of 8 marks for headings/subheadings/examples)             (Max 26)

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Economics/P1                                19                          DBE/November 2025
                                  NSC – Marking Guidelines

 ADDITIONAL PART
 POSITIVES
 • Businesses create job opportunities directly and indirectly, helping to lower
   unemployment rates.
 • The business sector offers skills development opportunities, such as in-service
   training and employee workshops, which improve workforce skills and enhance
   productivity.
 • Businesses contribute largely to the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country
   through the production of goods and services as the main driver of economic
   growth.
 • The sector invests in research and development, which encourages innovation and
   entrepreneurship.
 • Businesses pay corporate tax to the government which is then used to fund public
   services and infrastructural projects.
 • Businesses may work in partnership with the government to develop infrastructure,
   such as construction of roads, transportation and communication systems which
   promote economic activity and economic growth.
 • Businesses participate in international trade activities enhancing competitiveness of
   the country’s exports.
 • Businesses engage in corporate social investment (CSI) projects which help to
   improve the welfare of communities. 

 NEGATIVES
 • The business sector widens inequality gap through paying low wages to workers. 
 • Businesses being profit driven, sometimes they fail to consider the negative impact
   of their activities to the environment such as pollution.
 • The unfair business practices such as collusion, may result in consumer exploitation
   through high prices.
   (Accept any other correct relevant response)                              (Max 10)
    (A maximum of 2 marks may be allocated for mere listing of facts/examples)

 CONCLUSION
 Markets are critically important institutions in the economic system because they
 regulate the market, safeguard price stability and enhance both the business and
 consumer confidence.
 (Accept any other higher-order conclusion)                                      (Max. 2)     [40]

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Economics/P1                                20                          DBE/November 2025
                                  NSC – Marking Guidelines

 QUESTION 6: ECONOMIC PURSUITS                               40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES
 •   Discuss in detail South African’s initiatives (endeavours) in regional
     development.                                                 (26 marks)

 •   How can the government use incentives to promote industrial development?
                                                                    (10 marks)
 INTRODUCTION
 Regional development focuses on policies which are aimed at improving areas or
 regions of a country that are less developed. OR
 Regional development is the implementation of policies aimed at increasing the
 economic livelihood of specific areas or geographical regions.       (Max 2)
 (Accept any other correct relevant introduction)
 BODY: MAIN PART
 Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) 
 • Spatial Development Initiatives can be defined as a link between important economic
   hubs and regions in a country. 
 • SDI is a policy to promote sustainable industrial development in areas where poverty
   and unemployment are at their highest. 
 • SDIs stimulate economic activities in the underdeveloped areas to create
   employment and stimulate economic growth. 
 • The state aimed to enhance private sector and foreign direct investments through the
   granting of incentives. 
 • Spatial Development Initiatives promote the establishment of private-public
   partnerships (PPP) to improve the economic potential of underdeveloped areas. 
 • In a PPP, private businesses may provide the capital to build the factories, buy raw
   materials and employ labour. 
 • The government provides capital for the infrastructure such as roads and water
   supply networks. 
 • The SDIs involve an interdepartmental investment strategy that the Department of
   Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of Transport (DoT)
   lead.
 • DTIC is the driving force behind industrial and spatial development as it supports the
   establishment and growth of businesses. 
 • SDIs focus on high-level support in areas where socio-economic conditions require
   concentrated government assistance and inherent economic potential exists.
 • SDIs fast-track investments and maximise synergies between various types of
   investments.
 • Examples of SDIs in South Africa include KwaZulu-Natal SDI, Wild Coast SDI, Fish
   River SDI, West Coast Investment initiative, Platinum SDI, Phalaborwa SDI, Gauteng
   Special Economic Zone, Lubombo SDI and Richards Bay initiative.
   (A maximum of 1 mark may be allocated for the examples of SDIs)
 Industrial Development Zones (IDZs)
 • IDZs are geographically designed, purpose-built and physically enclosed industrial
    estates that are linked to international air or sea ports. 
 • The focus of IDZs is to attract private investments and foreign direct investments in
    export-driven industries. 

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Economics/P1                                21                          DBE/November 2025
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 •   Industrial Development Zones allow duty-free importation of production-related raw-
     materials and inputs. 
 •   Businesses in IDZs have access to dedicated customs services to make inspection
     and clearing more efficient.
 •   The strategy was aimed at enhancing international competitiveness of local
     industries in export markets.
 •   IDZs focus on creating employment by promoting exports of value-added
     products.
 •   Businesses that are located in IDZs enjoy world-class infrastructure, a zero rate of
     VAT on supplies from South African sources and reduced taxation on some
     products.
 •   IDZs were established to benefit investing companies through financial support
     provided by the government. 
 •   Businesses in IDZs have access to transport for exporting purposes and latest
     technology for global communication. 
 •   IDZs are designed to 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.
     (A maximum of 1 mark may be allocated for the examples of IDZs)
 Special Economic Zones (SEZ) 
 • Special Economic Zones are geographically demarcated areas where specific
   economic activities have been identified to be developed. 
 • Businesses located in SEZs may enjoy incentives such as tax relief and support
   systems to promote industrial development.
 • SEZs create a basis for a broader range of industrial parks and provide economic
   infrastructure to enable the clustering of manufacturers.
 • The aim of creating SEZs is to attract new businesses which develop new product
   lines and create employment.
 • The DTIC indicated that the existing IDZs where special tax incentives do not apply,
   would be graduated to SEZs. 
 • SEZs are not necessarily linked to international air or sea port and the purpose of
   manufacturing is to cater for both domestic and export markets. 
 Corridors
 • A corridor is a track of land that forms a passageway allowing access from one area
   to another and is developed as part of regional development. 
 • Corridors in South Africa are spatial areas that offer advantages to mining,
   manufacturing and other businesses.
 • The advantages include the presence of proper infrastructure and the specialisation
   of products or services.
 • Corridors are development areas within South Africa and are the priorities of all
   development agencies.
 • The DTIC provides help in support of the development corridors such as the Maputo
   development corridor, that starts in Gauteng and extends through Mpumalanga to
   the Maputo port, offers opportunity to the transport industry.
    (Accept any other correct relevant response)                             (Max 26)
    (Allocate a max of 8 marks for headings/subheadings/examples)

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Economics/P1                                22                          DBE/November 2025
                                  NSC – Marking Guidelines

 ADDITIONAL PART
 •   Reduce corporate taxes and offer tax holidays or exemptions to increase the profit
     prospects of businesses, which will attract investments in existing industries. 
 •   Provide subsidies on capital investment to reduce the development cost for potential
     investors in specific industries. 
 •   Government can provide cash grants or low-interest loans to businesses looking to
     expand and adopt new technologies. 
 •   The government can create a supportive environment for industries to thrive by
     investing in infrastructure development projects, such as roads, utilities, and
     industrial parks. 
 •   Simplify business registration procedure, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and
     providing easier access to licences can help industries grow efficiently. 
 •   Offer export incentives such as information on export markets and concessions on
     transport charges, to encourage production of goods and services for exporting. 
 •   Provide duty-free incentives to reduce the cost of production for businesses that
     import production inputs.
 •   The government can provide direct financial support for skills development which
     helps to increase skills base and productivity of businesses.
 •   Provide business support programmes to help improve the delivery of small business
     support to small business and entrepreneurs.
      (Accept any other correct relevant response)                               (Max 10)
      (A maximum of 2 marks may be allocated for mere listing of facts/examples)

 CONCLUSION

 Regional development policies solve the long-term problems of unemployment and
 poverty, although certain constraints such as skills shortages and high costs still need
 to be addressed.
 (Accept any other relevant higher order conclusion.)                           (Max. 2)    [40]

                                                                   TOTAL SECTION C:         40
                                                                      GRAND TOTAL:          150

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