ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

TSHWANE SOUTH DISTRICT

GRADE 12
GEOGRAPHY
2023
TERM 3
ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA
ASSESSMENT BOOKLET
STRUCTURE OF ECONOMY: (CONCEPTS)
PRIMARY ACTIVITIES: MAIZE FARMING, FOOD SECURITY & PLATINUM MINING
SECONDARY ACTIVITIES: TYPES OF INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRIAL REGIONS: (PWV – GAUTENG & PORT ELIZABETH – UITENHAGE)
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE (COEGA)
SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (WILD COAST)
TERTIARY ACTIVITIES: FORMAL & INFORMAL TRADE

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

CLASS TEST 1 DURATION: 45 MIN 45 MARKS

This Question Paper consists of 4 pages

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION:

1. Answer ALL questions.
2. Write your name in the top left-hand corner of your answer sheet.
3. Leave a line open after each sub-question.
4. Number the answers exactly as the numbering system that appears on the
paper.

QUESTION 1: ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA

FIGURE 1.1 ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

[Source: Examiner's infographic]

1.1 Refer to FIGURE 1.1 on economic geography to answer this question. Choose
the correct word from those given in brackets. Write only the word next to the
question number (1.1.1–1.1.8) in the ANSWER BOOK.
1.1.1 The (secondary/tertiary) sector refers to the provision of services.
1.1.2 After extraction, value is added to raw materials in the (secondary/tertiary) sector.
1.1.3 Economic growth in the primary sector declined due to the decrease in
(agriculture/mining).
1.1.4 The service sector that has shown the biggest growth is (mining/finance).
1.1.5 The (secondary/tertiary) sector contributes the least to the South African
economy.

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

1.1.6 The mining sector has grown due to increased production in (gold/platinum).
1.1.7 The growth in trade is linked to a growth in (manufacturing/agriculture).
1.1.8 The sector to which tourism makes a contribution is the (secondary/tertiary)
sector.
(8 x 1) [8]
FIGURE 1.2: CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES % CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
Electricity 2,8%
Construction 3,2%
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 4%
Mining 5%
Manufacturing 14%
Transport, storage and communication 16%
Government services 16%
Wholesale and retail trade, hotel and restaurant 17%
Finance, insurance, real estate and business services 22%

1.2 Study FIGURE 1.2 which is a table of statistics showing the contribution of
various economic activities to the gross domestic product in South Africa.
1.2.1 Which economic activity contributed the least to South Africa's GDP?
1.2.2 What percentage did the primary sector contribute?
1.2.3 Does the primary or tertiary sector contribute a greater percentage to the
economy?
1.2.4 Name the economic activity that falls into the secondary sector.
1.2.5 Which economic sector must have the highest percentage to indicate that a
country has a developed economy?
1.2.6 Do the statistics for South Africa show a developed country or a developing
country?
1.2.7 Name the highest contributing economic activity in the tertiary sector.
1.2.8 Give another name for the tertiary sector.
(8 x 1) [8]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.3.: GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

1.3 Study FIGURE 1.3 based on the Gross Domestic Product.

1.3.1 Define the term Gross Domestic Product. 1 x 1) (1)
1.3.2 Comment on the trend shown by the GDP. (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.3 Which economic sector is also referred to as the service sector? (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.4 Determine the following about the contribution of different sectors:
(a) Economic sector contributing the least. (1 x 1) (1)
(b) Economic activity showing greatest growth. (1 x 1) (1)
(c) Percentage contribution of secondary sector. (1 x 2) (2)
1.3.5 Farming activity shows the greatest decline in contribution to the GDP.
In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, suggest possible
contributing factors for the decline. (4 x 2) (8)
[15]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.4: CONTRIBUTION OF SELECTED ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES TO

SOUTH AFRICA'S GDP

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY CONTRIBUTION

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 2,2%
Mining and quarrying 4,9%
Manufacturing 15,2%
Electricity, gas and water 1,8%
Construction 3%
Finance, real estate and business services 21,5%
General government services 13,7%

1.4 Refer to FIGURE 1.4 showing contributions to South Africa's GDP.

1.4.1 Which economic activity in FIGURE 1.4 contributed the most to
South Africa's GDP? (1 x 1) (1)
1.4.2 Which economic sector contributed the most to South Africa's GDP? (1 x 1) (1)
1.4.3 Explain the low contribution of the primary economic sector to the
South African economy. (2 x 2) (4)
1.4.4 Why is it important to strengthen the secondary sector in South Africa? (2 x 2) (4)
1.4.5 Account for the low contribution made by electricity, gas and water to
the tertiary sector. (2 x 2) (4)
[14]

GRAND TOTAL: 45 MARKS

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

CLASS TEST 2 DURATION: 45 MIN 45 MARKS

This Question Paper consists of 5 pages

QUESTION 1: AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY, MINING

FIGURE 1.1: MAIZE FARMING

20 JANUARY 2023: AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC REPORT

The Agricultural sector was the biggest contributor to the overall GDP growth of 1.6% even though one
thousand jobs were cut in the mining and agricultural sector. Agricultural prices are forecast to decline
in 2023.
The national Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) projected the ending stock for 30 April 2023 of
white and yellow maize to be less than the 2020/2021 season. According to the final maize forecast for
the three main maize producing areas, namely the Free State, Mpumalanga and North West are
expected to produce 82% of the 2022/2023 crop.
Load shedding poses long term risks for the agricultural sector on a supply and input cost level. Cost
effective and sustainable alternative solution must be considered to reduce dependency on Eskom for
electricity. Even more so now that the tariff hikes of 18.65% have been approved.

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

1.1 Refer to the infographic in FIGURE 1.1 on Maize Farming and answer the
following questions:
1.1.1 Name the province that produces the most maize in South Africa. (1 x 1) (1)
1.1.2 What is the expected percentage of maize production from the
Maize Triangle for the 2022/2023 crop? (1 x 1) (1)
1.1.3 Quote evidence from the infographic that suggests that agriculture
continued to suffer despite it being the biggest contributor to the
overall GDP growth. (1 x 1) (1)
1.1.4 ‘Agricultural prices are forecast to decline in 2023’.
Explain TWO physical factors that promoted maize farming in
the provinces forming a Maize Triangle. (2 x 2) (4)
1.1.5 Besides being a source of food, give TWO other reasons why
maize production is important to the South African economy. (2 x 2) (4)
1.1.6 Describe how energy has a negative impact on maize production
in South Africa. (2 x 2) (4)
[15]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.2: THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SECURITY

1.2 Refer to the cartoon in FIGURE 1.2 based on the importance of food security.

1.2.1 What is food security? (1 x 1) (1)

1.2.2 Why does the use of the words 'great news' not align (fit in) with the
message of the cartoon? (1 x 2) (2)

1.2.3 Even if there was food security, why would it not help the people in
the cartoon? (2 x 2) (4)

1.2.4 In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, discuss ways to improve

food security in South Africa. (4 x 2) (8)
[15]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.3: MINING PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE RATE STATISTICS OF

SOUTH AFRICA

VOLUMES OF MINING PRODUCTION

EXCHANGE RATES

[Source: Data from www.x-rates.com]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

1.3 Study the graphs depicting the volume of mining production (2012–2017) and
the exchange rates (2016–2017) in FIGURE 1.3.

1.3.1 Why is mining a primary activity? (1 x 1) (1)

1.3.2 Identify the year or years when the volume of mining production was
at its lowest and highest. (2 x 1) (2)

1.3.3 Refer to the volumes of mining production (2012–2017) and the exchange
rates between 2016 and 2017.
(a) Describe the trends of the volume of mining production between
March 2016 and March 2017. (2 x 1) (2)
(b) Explain why the decrease in the exchange rates may have caused
these trends (answer to QUESTION 1.3.3(a)), between March
2016 and March 2017. (1 x 2) (2)
(c) Mention TWO other factors (besides exchange rate), that may have
contributed to the trends (answer to QUESTION 1.3.3(a)) between
March 2016 and March 2017. (2 x 2) (4)

1.3.4 Evaluate how a labour force can increase profits in the mining industry. (2 x 2) (4)
[15]

GRAND TOTAL: 45 MARKS

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

CLASS TEST 3 DURATION: 45 MIN 45 MARKS

This Question Paper consists of 4 pages

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION:

5. Answer ALL questions.
6. Write your name in the top left-hand corner of your answer sheet.
7. Leave a line open after each sub-question.
8. Number the answers exactly as the numbering system that appears on the
paper.

QUESTION 1: INDUSTRIES, IDZs & SDIs

1.1 ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY TERMINOLOGIES

1.1 Choose the correct word(s) from those given in brackets. Write only the
word(s) next to the question number (1.1.1–1.1.7) in the ANSWER BOOK.
1.1.1 The dispersal of industries away from core areas is known as industrial
(centralisation/decentralisation).
1.1.2 An initiative that promotes industrialisation along major routes is called
(spatial development initiatives/industry development zones).
1.1.3 Industries that are located between the raw material and the customer are
called (bridge/footloose) industries.
1.1.4 An oil refinery will be classified as a (heavy/light) industry.
1.1.5 A food -processing factory is a (primary/secondary) economic activity.
1.1.6 The sector of the economy that is associated with research and
development is the (tertiary/quaternary) sector.
1.1.7 A coal-fired power station is (raw-material/market) orientated.
1.1.8 (Beneficiation / Tax) is the value added to a raw material by means of processing.
(8 x 1) [8]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

Ubiqu itous
indus tries
Market -orientated Raw -material -
industries orientated
industries

Heavy industries Footloose

industries

Bridge industries Light industries

[Source: Examiner's own sketch ]

1.2 Match each type of industry in the diagram below with the descriptions that
follow. Write only the type of industry next to the question numbers
(1.2.1 to 1.2.7) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.2.8 Factory.
1.2.1 Located close to customers
1.2.2 The availability of different modes of transport is important
1.2.3 Need large amounts of flat land on the outskirts of built-up areas
1.2.4 Location is not determined by any specific factors
1.2.5 Located in built-up areas as there is little air and noise pollution
1.2.6 Location is determined by bulky unprocessed materials
1.2.7 Telkom is an example of this type of industry
(7 x 1) [7]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.3: PORT ELIZABETH-UITENHAGE INDUSTRIAL REGION

There are two main industries in Nelson Mandela Bay namely: 1) automotive and 2) harbour
facilities.
The automotive industry comprises major vehicle manufacturers that are based in Port
Elizabeth and Uitenhage, such as Volkswagen South Africa and General Motors.
In addition to these companies, which are dedicated to the construction and production of
commercial and other vehicles, the automotive industry in Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage is also
made up of the entities that manufacture components of these vehicles. These companies
must make the batteries, catalytic converters, tyres, wire harnesses, etc., that make the car
companies work as well as they do. The main harbour has a valuable container terminal, fruit
terminal and manganese terminal. In addition, the onsite railway trains make the transport of
goods to and from the harbour quicker and easier (and, therefore, cheaper). Much of the
container traffic is caused by motor vehicles and their components being shipped, although
steel, wool and other machinery are also transported frequently. Agricultural products are
handled by the breakbulk terminal.
In 1999, the Coega Development Corporation was begun with the aim of making Port
Elizabeth the preferred investment destination. The deepwater port of Ngqura has been
positioned along the international east-west trading route.
[Source: mbda.co.za]

1.3 Read the extract in FIGURE 1.3 referring to the development of the
Port Elizabeth Uitenhage industrial region.
1.3.1 In which province is the Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage industrial region
located? (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.2 Name the main industry located in the Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage
industrial region. (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.3 State the main transport facility that influenced the location of this
industry (answer to QUESTION 1.3.2). (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.4 How has the main industry mentioned in QUESTION 1.3.2 stimulated
the growth of other industries in the region? (1 x 2) (2)
1.3.5 Discuss ONE factor that has restricted industrial growth in the region. (1 x 2) (2)
1.3.6 In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain the impact that
transport has had on the growth of the region. (4 x 2) (8)
[15]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.4: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE EASTERN CAPE

Eastern Cape

Wild Coast
SDI

[Source: Examiner 's own sketch]

1.4 Study FIGURE 1.4 showing a map of economic development in the Eastern
Cape. Answer the questions that follow.
1.4.1 The industrial region of the Eastern Cape earns about 9% of the total earnings
in South Africa.
(a) Name any ONE industry that the Eastern Cape economic
is famous for. (1 x 1) (1)
(b) State TWO factors favouring the location of the Eastern Cape
industrial region. (2 x 2) (4)
(c) Give ONE reason why the Eastern Cape economic region
contributes the least to the total earnings of South Africa. (1 x 2) (2)
1.4.2 Evaluate the role of the Wild Coast SDI in the economic upliftment of
people living in the Eastern Cape. (4 x 2) (8)
[15]

GRAND TOTAL: 45 MARKS

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

CLASS TEST 4 DURATION: 45 MIN 45 MARKS

This Question Paper consists of 4 pages

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION:

9. Answer ALL questions.
10. Write your name in the top left-hand corner of your answer sheet.
11. Leave a line open after each sub-question.
12. Number the answers exactly as the numbering system that appears on the
paper.

QUESTION 1: FORMAL & INFORMAL TRADING

1.1 TERTIARY ECONOMIC SECTOR

FIGURE 1.1: TERTIARY ACTIVITIES

1.1 Study FIGURE 1.1 showing the percentage of Gauteng's activities in the
tertiary sector in South Africa.
1.1.1 Define the term tertiary economic activities. (1 x 2) (2)
1.1.2 Which tertiary activity in Gauteng contributes the most to South Africa's
economy? (1 x 1) (1)
1.1.3 Give a reason for the economic activity that contributes the highest

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

percentage to the tertiary sector. (1 x 2) (2)

1.1.4 Comment on the contribution of the tertiary sector of Gauteng to the
economy of South Africa, based on the information in FIGURE 1.1. (1 x 2) (2)
1.1.5 Why is it preferable for a country to have a stronger tertiary sector
than a primary sector? (2 x 2) (4)
1.1.6 Explain the role that transport plays in strengthening the tertiary
sector in Gauteng. (2 x 2) (4)
[15]

FIGURE 1.2: ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN AN ECONOMY

The purpose of international trade is to allow countries to exchange their goods and services with other
countries.

Countries with the strongest international trade practices have become prosperous (well-off) and have
the power to control the world economy. It is a fact that global trade can become one of the major
contributors to the reduction of poverty.

International trade accounts for a good part of many developing countriesʹ revenue, positively affecting
their gross domestic product. International trade is growing at a rapid rate due to some of the following
reasons: use of modern production techniques; highly advanced transportation systems and
outsourcing (contract out) of manufacturing and services.

[Adapted from http://www.ariafilalo.com/blog/benefits-international-trade-economy/]

1.2 Refer to FIGURE 1.2 showing the role of international trade in economic
development.
1.2.1 What is the purpose of international trade? (1 x 1) (1)
1.2.2 Quote from the extract why international trade is growing rapidly. (1 x 2) (2)
1.2.3 According to the extract, global trade contributes to the reduction
of poverty. Explain this statement. (2 x 2) (4)
1.2.4 Explain how distance from major trading partners restricts South
Africa from competing in world markets. (2 x 2) (4)
1.2.5 Explain how international trade can limit local production in a country. (2 x 2) (4)
[15]

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ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA TERM 3 2023 GRADE 12 GEOGRAPHY

FIGURE 1.3: INFORMAL SECTOR

INFORMAL FOOD SECTOR MAKES UP TO 40% OF FOOD MARKET
May 2, 2018

South Africa's informal food sector makes up at least 40% of the food market, meaning that it
contributes notably to the economy, while providing consumers with easy access to food.

According to Efficient Group, the informal food, sector is valued at about R404 billion, with the formal
food sector holding the other 60% of the market. Collectively the market is worth R1,02 trillion.
Informal food sector is mostly comprised of small businesses like spaza shops, home businesses and
street vendors.
According to Mike Schussler, chief economist at Economists.co.za, the informal sector is important as
it offers exactly what people need – cheap food near them.

[Adapted from: Bloemfontein Courant]

1.3 Read the extract in FIGURE 1.3 based on informal food sector.
1.3.1 Define the term informal sector. (1 x 1) (2)
1.3.2 Give an example of informal food sector. (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.3 How much, according to the article, is the food sector valued at? (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.4 Quote from the extract, a piece of evidence showing that the
informal food sector contributes notably to the economy. (1 x 1) (1)
1.3.5 Explain challenges faced by the informal traders. (2 x 2) (4)
1.3.6 Suggest ways in which South African government can help
strengthen the informal food sector. (3 x 2) (6)
[15]

GRAND TOTAL: 45 MARKS

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