Understanding the Economic Geography of South Africa

Admin
Jul 26
2 min read

Dear Grade 12s,

As your Geography teacher, I know this time of year can feel like you're juggling a hundred things — tests, assignments, applications, and the pressure of preparing for your final exams.

That’s why I want to walk with you, step by step, through one of the most important sections of your Geography syllabus:

Economic Geography of South Africa.

This isn’t just about maps and sectors — it’s about your world, your future, and how South Africa’s economy shapes the opportunities around us.

Let’s break it down.

🏗️ What Is Economic Geography?

Economic Geography is the study of how people use resources, how goods are produced, and how economic activities are distributed across different places.

In the South African context, we focus on:

Primary economic activities like mining and agriculture
Secondary activities like manufacturing
Tertiary and quaternary services like banking, education, and tourism

We also look at where these things happen — and why.

📌 Key Topics You Need to Know:

🌱 Primary Sector: Agriculture

Types of farming: commercial vs subsistence
Farming systems: crop rotation, irrigation, monoculture
Challenges: drought, land reform, food insecurity
Role of climate and soil in determining agricultural patterns

⛏️ Mining and Minerals

Major minerals: gold, platinum, coal, iron
Mining methods and environmental impact
Employment and contribution to GDP
Issues: labour strikes, inequality, land degradation

🏭 Secondary Sector: Industry

Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Reasons for industrial location (e.g., near transport, labour, market)
The importance of the Gauteng (PWV) region, Durban-Pinetown, and Coega
Role of government strategies like RDP, GEAR, NDP

💼 Tertiary and Informal Sectors

Services that support the economy (retail, transport, healthcare)
Growth of the informal sector: spaza shops, hawkers
Opportunities and challenges: lack of regulation vs community empowerment

📚 Exam Tips for Economic Geography:

✅ Use real South African examples in your answers — they earn you marks

✅ Know your economic sectors and be able to compare them

✅ Practise map interpretation for industrial and mining regions

✅ Be able to analyse graphs showing contribution to GDP or employment

✅ Use case studies — especially in essay questions

💬 Why It Matters (To You)

Understanding economic geography helps you make sense of:

Why jobs are concentrated in certain areas
Why some communities are rich in resources but still underdeveloped
What challenges our economy faces, and what solutions we can work toward

Most importantly, it helps you understand your role in shaping South Africa’s future — as a learner, a citizen, and a potential leader.

🌟 Final Words

You are part of a generation that will redefine this country’s economy.

By learning about sectors, systems, and strategies, you're not just preparing for exams — you're preparing to participate, to contribute, and to make change.

And just like any economy, growth comes over time. Keep putting in the effort. Keep asking questions. Keep showing up.

You are not alone — I’m right here with you.