TRL3704
ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
DUE: 29 AUGUST 2025 (MEMO)
, TRL3704
ASSIGMENT 4 2025
29 AUGUST 2025 16:00
SHORT AND LONG QUESTIONS/ CASE STUDY 35 MARKS
QUESTION 2
2.1 The role of seaborne trade in South Africa’s integration into the global
economy
Seaborne trade is one of the most important enablers of globalisation. South Africa, like
many resource-rich economies, relies on maritime transport to connect its natural
resources with international markets. The bulk shipping of coal, iron ore, and
manganese through ports such as Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay integrates South
Africa into the world economy by making its exports available to buyers in Asia and
Europe (TRL3704 Study Guide, 2023).
According to Stopford (2009), the global economy has become increasingly dependent
on maritime trade, with international trade growing faster than global GDP over the past
decades. This is particularly true for South Africa, where mineral exports form a key link
to the industrial growth of emerging economies like China and India. For example,
China’s demand for iron ore to feed its steel industry creates a direct dependency
between Chinese industrialisation and South African maritime trade.
ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
DUE: 29 AUGUST 2025 (MEMO)
, TRL3704
ASSIGMENT 4 2025
29 AUGUST 2025 16:00
SHORT AND LONG QUESTIONS/ CASE STUDY 35 MARKS
QUESTION 2
2.1 The role of seaborne trade in South Africa’s integration into the global
economy
Seaborne trade is one of the most important enablers of globalisation. South Africa, like
many resource-rich economies, relies on maritime transport to connect its natural
resources with international markets. The bulk shipping of coal, iron ore, and
manganese through ports such as Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay integrates South
Africa into the world economy by making its exports available to buyers in Asia and
Europe (TRL3704 Study Guide, 2023).
According to Stopford (2009), the global economy has become increasingly dependent
on maritime trade, with international trade growing faster than global GDP over the past
decades. This is particularly true for South Africa, where mineral exports form a key link
to the industrial growth of emerging economies like China and India. For example,
China’s demand for iron ore to feed its steel industry creates a direct dependency
between Chinese industrialisation and South African maritime trade.
