Economics for South African students (Seventh Edition)

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to economics, set against a contemporary South African background. Like previous editions, the easy style and many practical examples make this publication extremely accessible. The book covers all the material usually prescribed for introductory courses, and it lays a solid foundation for intermediate and advanced studies in economics. Students and practitioners will most likely continue to use this textbook throughout their studies and professional career.

Practical examples in economics are crucial because they link theory and real-world experience. The examples provided in this book allow students to understand how the theory relates to economic behaviour. As in the sixth edition, a number of experts contributed short pieces under the collective title In the real world. We trust that these examples and case studies will be put to good use by lecturers (eg in discussion classes) while also providing students with more practical material to enhance their coursework.

Some of the topics covered by the In the real world pieces include:

#Fees must fall … to zero? Does free higher education exist?
Land reform
What should the South African Reserve Bank target?
Are tax incentives a good idea?


The various experts contributed In the real world pieces: Mduduzi Biyase, Edward Blight, Estian Calitz, Pierre Faure, Johan Fourie, Rudolf Gouws, Waldo Krugell, Jac Laubscher, Pieter le Roux, Colin McCarthy, Dave Mohr, Gabila Nubong, Andrie Schoombee, Krige Siebrits, Ben Smit, Eon Smit, Sharon Tessendorf, Chris Torr, Servaas van der Berg, Cecilia van Zyl, Cobus Vermeulen, Ingrid Woolard, Derek Yu and Mulatu Zerihun.