In this clip, Frans Cronje breaks down how South Africa lost its manufacturing base, with terrible consequences for the poor.
12 minIn this clip Frans Cronje traces the rise and fall of South Africa's industrial economy since the end of the Second World War. He shows how the manufacturing economy has seen its share of GDP halved since the 1970s and explains that the consequences have denied South Africa the most important social and economic bridge between rural poverty and an urban middle class future.

THE COMMON SENSE
-
20.10.2026
Gabriel Makin
2 days ago
12 min

THE COMMON SENSE
-
15.10.2026
Bheki Mahlobo
7 days ago
17 min

THE COMMON SENSE
-
14.10.2026
Gabriel Makin
8 days ago
17 min

THE COMMON SENSE
-
13.10.2026
Frans Cronje
9 days ago
7 min

THE COMMON SENSE
-
8.10.2026
Gabriel Makin
14 days ago
12 min

THE COMMON SENSE
-
7.10.2026
Frans Cronje
15 days ago
26 min

THE COMMON SENSE
-
1.10.2026
Bheki Mahlobo
21 days ago
20 min
HOME
OPINIONS
POLITICS
POLLS
GLOBAL
ECONOMICS
LIFE
SPORT