Economics 348
This module concerns a wide spectrum of policy issues in the South African economy. The aim here is to familiarise the student with the most important economic policy issues and the associated action required. Furthermore, this module represents a culmination and rounding off of undergraduate study in Economics, with emphasis on the application of skills already acquired. It therefore relies on the knowledge that the student has acquired in the preceding modules in Economics and this knowledge is consolidated within the South African context. Knowledge of, and insight into, policy debates and policy-making is of great value in the public as well as the private sectors, as both are influenced by government policy. Various lecturers in the Department of Economics are either directly involved in the policy process as advisors, consultants and members of government commissions and committees, or are involved in the analysis thereof. The Economics 348 policy module is a consequence of this close involvement with policy processes and is the only one of its kind in South Africa. Various guest lecturers (for example from the Bureau for Economic Research) reinforce this strength. In addition, provision is also made for guest lectures by experts from the private and public sectors. And these lectures will also be regarded as part of the module material for the purposes of assessments. The module is presented in block form, where the different topics are dealt with in consecutive classes.
Examples of policy areas aimed at by the module include macro-economic stabilisation policy (specifically fiscal policy), economic growth and industrialisation, growth and development, the distribution problem, distribution via the budget, social policy, environmental policy, policy options for industrial growth and competition policy. Computer tutorials will also be a part of this module.
Prerequisite Pass module (PP): Economics 214
Prerequisite module (P): Economics 244
Corequisite module (C): Economics 318
Credits: 24
Classes per week: 4 lectures, 1 tutorial
Module convenor: Dr Krige Siebrits
Work programme: Economic Decision-Making and the Natural Environment
Work programme: Competition Policy
Work programme: Trade and Industrial Policy
Work programme: Economic Development and Structural Issues: Distribution
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Upcoming Seminars
Monday 26 May 202512:00-13:00
Prof Simon Franklin: Queen Mary University In London
Topic: "No Place Like Home? The Causal Effect of Housing Clearances in Central Addis Ababa"
12:00-13:00
Dr Dawie van Lill: South African Reserve Bank & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Hylton Hollander: University Of Cape Town
Topic: "TBC"
BER Weekly
16 May 2025 Trade truce lifts markets, SA braces for winter load-shedding and budget reckoningThis week, data showed that South Africa’s unemployment rate rose in 2025Q1, with net job losses compared to 2024Q4. Meanwhile, mining output improved in March but declined overall for the quarter. In the US, inflation eased to a four-year low, while Germany’s economic sentiment rebounded sharply. The UK economy posted impressive growth in Q1; however,...
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 26 May 202512:00-13:00
Prof Simon Franklin: Queen Mary University In London
Topic: "No Place Like Home? The Causal Effect of Housing Clearances in Central Addis Ababa"
12:00-13:00
Dr Dawie van Lill: South African Reserve Bank & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Hylton Hollander: University Of Cape Town
Topic: "TBC"
BER Weekly
16 May 2025 Trade truce lifts markets, SA braces for winter load-shedding and budget reckoningThis week, data showed that South Africa’s unemployment rate rose in 2025Q1, with net job losses compared to 2024Q4. Meanwhile, mining output improved in March but declined overall for the quarter. In the US, inflation eased to a four-year low, while Germany’s economic sentiment rebounded sharply. The UK economy posted impressive growth in Q1; however,...
Read the full issue