This paper tests for happiness differences among race groups in South Africa and also investigates the determinants of happiness for each race group. Using data from the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, the results indicate that reported happiness differs substantially among race groups,...

A deterministic model for the economic impact of African Horse Sickness (AHS) on the equine breeding industry was developed for South Africa. It was applied to the case of the 2007/2008 outbreak of AHS in the Eastern Cape as a pilot application of the model, using data from breeders in the...

This paper investigates social democracy and the “developmental state” model as development alternatives for South Africa. This research is significant as it enhances the developmental debate in South Africa that is indispensable in light of South Africa’s poor socio-economic performance....

South African research has found tertiary education to have the highest rate of return amongst levels of education. Measures of effectiveness of the large allocation by government are a crucial area of study relatively untapped. Income levels relative to level of education were found to have...

The hidden economy surrounding the medicinal plant trade in South Africa is estimated to be worth approximately $60 to $100 billion per annum. There is increasing focus on the role that these resources play in the process of sustainable development. By combining Local Economic Development (LED),...

Since 1994 South Africa has been unable to sustainably achieve the rates of economic growth necessary to decrease its very high level of unemployment. Inadequate growth has been exacerbated by a structural increase in the share of private non-tradables (skill-intensive) employment alongside a...

Recently South Africa recorded record current account deficits at a time of high commodity prices. A major contributor to these deficits was a lower level of corporate saving. Low domestic savings makes South Africa reliant on foreign capital inflows to fund higher investment levels and the...

The economics of a Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) is examined as a way to finance the restoration of the Baviaans catchment. The proposed PWS consists of Gamtoos-valley farmers “buying” watershed services from upstream farmers in the Western Baviaanskloof, who need to change their...

The importance of bio-fuels as an alternative to oil is growing due to the increasing volatility of oil prices. As bio-fuels increasingly replace oil, their higher demand can be an opportunity for developing underdeveloped countries rich with resources for bio-fuel production to engage in such...