7.2 Economic Sectors and Patterns

Discuss the percentages of each economic sector of your country.

Agriculture: This sector contributed around 2.57% to the GDP. 

Industry: This sector, which includes manufacturing, mining, construction, electricity, water, and gas, contributed 24.44% to the GDP. 

Services: This is the largest sector, contributing 62.61% to GDP. 

Finance, Real Estate, and Business Services: This is the largest sub-sector within services, contributing around 22% to GDP2. 

General Government Services: This sub-sector contributes around 17% to GDP. 

Wholesale, Retail and Motor Trade, Catering, and Accommodation: This sub-sector contributes around 15% to GDP.

Provide an example of a national, regional, and local scale of analysis of where a manufacturing facility is located in your country.(refer to page 459 in your textbook)

National Scale Analysis (South Africa):

 At the national scale, a manufacturing facility in South Africa could be located in the Gauteng province. This region offers several advantages, such as proximity to the densely populated economic hub of the country, including major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Gauteng province also has access to a skilled labor force, with several universities and technical institutions located in the region. Additionally, the area benefits from well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an international airport, major highways, and rail networks. Gauteng's central location within South Africa also provides access to both domestic and export markets.

Regional Scale Analysis:

 Within the Gauteng province, a suitable location for the manufacturing facility could be the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, which encompasses several major industrial areas. This region offers favorable government incentives for businesses, such as tax benefits and industrial development zones. Ekurhuleni also benefits from the presence of established manufacturing clusters, providing potential agglomeration economies. The area has good access to transportation networks, including the OR Tambo International Airport, major highways, and rail lines. Additionally, Ekurhuleni has a skilled workforce supplied by local technical colleges and universities.

 Local Scale Analysis:

 At the local scale, an industrial park in the Kempton Park area of Ekurhuleni could be an ideal location for the manufacturing facility. This site offers large, flat parcels of land suitable for industrial development, with access to water, electricity, and other utilities. The Kempton Park area is well-connected to transportation networks, including the OR Tambo International Airport, major highways (N3, N12, and R21), and rail lines. The site would provide ample space for truck loading and unloading, as well as parking facilities for employees. Additionally, the area has existing manufacturing clusters, offering potential synergies and access to shared resources.

Sources: South Africa: GDP distribution across economic sectors 2022 | Statista 

https://brandsouthafrica.com/31640/economy/south-africa-economy-key-sectors/ 

https://www.statista.com/topics/7540/key-economic-indicators-in-south-africa/ 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/578944/employment-by-economic-sector-in-south-africa/