The political instability in the form of looting that led to the death of hundreds in July 2921 following the incarceration of the former ENC president is widely regarded as the worst such case in postApartheid South Africa. Political commentators and economists attributed the instability to the dire socioeconomic reality for millions of South Africans. The general opinionisthatthishasbeeninthe making for some time, and that the W environment in the country is highly unstable- Is South Africa facing a vicious cycle of political and socioeconomic instability- What does that mean for the country's economic iture? Guidelines to ansmg' the Question The empirical evidence suggests that increasing levels of inequality fuel social discontent. This, in turn, leads to political instability, the demand for scal redistribution, and economic uncertainty. You need to think about: 1. The evolution of socioeconomic indicators in South Aica since the early Es and the inabilityfcauses of South Africa to embark on a labourabsorbing growth path 2. The deterioration in governance effectiveness and the rise of corruption and its impact on service delivery. 1Why has this happened {It's our time to eat}? 3. If investment is dependent on business condence, what does the persistence of poverty, unemployment, and inequality mean with respect to future economic growth? 4. 1What are some of the leading explanations on the nature and causes of crime in South Aica