ENG1512 003/2/2024
ENG1512
ASSIGNMENT NO: 03 (SEM 2)
YEAR : 2024
Topic 1: Argumentative essay: Crime impacts the South African economy.
How Crime Impacts the South African Economy
Crime isn’t just about the immediate harm it causes to people and communities—it’s a massive issue
for South Africa’s economy too. From petty theft to large-scale organized crime, the effects go far
beyond what we see on the surface. Crime in South Africa acts like a brake on economic growth,
shaking investor confidence, pushing up security costs, reducing productivity, and scaring away
tourists. To really understand the country's economic challenges, we need to recognize how deeply
intertwined crime is with its financial health.
Page | 1
, ENG1512 003/2/2024
Question 1: Essay Writing
Choose ONE of the following topics and write an argumentative or discursive essay of
approximately 750 words (1½ pages).
Topic 1: Argumentative essay: Crime impacts the South African economy.
How Crime Impacts the South African Economy
Crime isn’t just about the immediate harm it causes to people and communities—it’s a massive issue
for South Africa’s economy too. From petty theft to large-scale organized crime, the effects go far
beyond what we see on the surface. Crime in South Africa acts like a brake on economic growth,
shaking investor confidence, pushing up security costs, reducing productivity, and scaring away
tourists. To really understand the country's economic challenges, we need to recognize how deeply
intertwined crime is with its financial health.
Eroding Investor Confidence
One of the most obvious ways crime impacts the economy is by scaring off investors. Businesses,
whether local or international, want to put their money into places where they feel secure.
Unfortunately, in South Africa, high crime rates mean more risk. Investors worry about everything
from disruptions in supply chains to damage to property or harm to employees. These worries
translate into hesitation or reluctance to invest, leading to less capital being funneled into the
economy.
Reports like the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report show that crime and
corruption are consistently seen as major obstacles to investment in South Africa. Companies are
concerned about their assets being looted, vandalized, or stolen. On top of that, the costs of
protecting businesses are sky-high. So, when fewer investments come in, it limits job opportunities
and economic growth. Given the country’s unemployment rate of over 30%, these lost opportunities
are particularly damaging.
The Burden of Security Costs
Another major consequence of crime is the soaring cost of security. Businesses, the government,
and regular people all end up spending more money just to stay safe. This includes everything from
installing security systems and hiring private guards to paying for insurance premiums that have
skyrocketed because of crime. The number of private security firms has grown rapidly in South
Africa, reflecting how much people feel they can’t rely on public services alone.
For businesses, this need to amp up security is a drain on their resources. Instead of spending
money on growing their operations, hiring new staff, or innovating, they’re forced to spend it on
protection. Smaller businesses, in particular, struggle with these costs, and for some, it becomes
impossible to survive. When these businesses fold, jobs are lost, and the overall economy suffers.
Page | 2
ENG1512
ASSIGNMENT NO: 03 (SEM 2)
YEAR : 2024
Topic 1: Argumentative essay: Crime impacts the South African economy.
How Crime Impacts the South African Economy
Crime isn’t just about the immediate harm it causes to people and communities—it’s a massive issue
for South Africa’s economy too. From petty theft to large-scale organized crime, the effects go far
beyond what we see on the surface. Crime in South Africa acts like a brake on economic growth,
shaking investor confidence, pushing up security costs, reducing productivity, and scaring away
tourists. To really understand the country's economic challenges, we need to recognize how deeply
intertwined crime is with its financial health.
Page | 1
, ENG1512 003/2/2024
Question 1: Essay Writing
Choose ONE of the following topics and write an argumentative or discursive essay of
approximately 750 words (1½ pages).
Topic 1: Argumentative essay: Crime impacts the South African economy.
How Crime Impacts the South African Economy
Crime isn’t just about the immediate harm it causes to people and communities—it’s a massive issue
for South Africa’s economy too. From petty theft to large-scale organized crime, the effects go far
beyond what we see on the surface. Crime in South Africa acts like a brake on economic growth,
shaking investor confidence, pushing up security costs, reducing productivity, and scaring away
tourists. To really understand the country's economic challenges, we need to recognize how deeply
intertwined crime is with its financial health.
Eroding Investor Confidence
One of the most obvious ways crime impacts the economy is by scaring off investors. Businesses,
whether local or international, want to put their money into places where they feel secure.
Unfortunately, in South Africa, high crime rates mean more risk. Investors worry about everything
from disruptions in supply chains to damage to property or harm to employees. These worries
translate into hesitation or reluctance to invest, leading to less capital being funneled into the
economy.
Reports like the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report show that crime and
corruption are consistently seen as major obstacles to investment in South Africa. Companies are
concerned about their assets being looted, vandalized, or stolen. On top of that, the costs of
protecting businesses are sky-high. So, when fewer investments come in, it limits job opportunities
and economic growth. Given the country’s unemployment rate of over 30%, these lost opportunities
are particularly damaging.
The Burden of Security Costs
Another major consequence of crime is the soaring cost of security. Businesses, the government,
and regular people all end up spending more money just to stay safe. This includes everything from
installing security systems and hiring private guards to paying for insurance premiums that have
skyrocketed because of crime. The number of private security firms has grown rapidly in South
Africa, reflecting how much people feel they can’t rely on public services alone.
For businesses, this need to amp up security is a drain on their resources. Instead of spending
money on growing their operations, hiring new staff, or innovating, they’re forced to spend it on
protection. Smaller businesses, in particular, struggle with these costs, and for some, it becomes
impossible to survive. When these businesses fold, jobs are lost, and the overall economy suffers.
Page | 2
