South Africa in the global context: The view from above and below

Abstract

Perceptions differ on the positive impact globalization has on the economic environment of the developed and developing world. This paper identifies elements of the African economic make-up that could hinder or assist in the reconnection of the region into the global economic society. It then discusses structural changes that have occurred in South Africa’s economic and demographic profile over the past two decades to demonstrate how different sections of the country’s population have reacted to threats and opportunities posed by changing local, regional and global circumstances in recent years. Particular emphasis is placed in the latter part of the paper on the dominant role that the Greater Johannesburg urban agglomeration plays nationally and internationally and the way in which changing agglomeration forces have influenced the relocation of multinationals in the metropolitan region.