ACTIVITY 2

H5P PUZZLE

ACTIVITY 3

SHORT SCENARION ACTIVITY  (13 MARKS)

Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

Scenario

Ubuntu Clothing, a small local clothing business based in Johannesburg, has been struggling recently. The owner, Mrs. Dlamini, has noticed a drop in sales. Many of her loyal customers can no longer afford to buy clothes as they are unemployed and affected by poverty. To make matters worse, street vendors nearby are selling cheap counterfeit clothes that imitate her designs at very low prices.

Some of her employees are frequently absent, and a few have privately told her they are affected by HIV/AIDS. Last week, there was a strike in the area due to wage disputes at another nearby company, and protesters damaged Ubuntu Clothing’s shop windows. She is also trying to promote inclusivity by hiring people of different backgrounds, including people with disabilities.

Questions

  1. Identify THREE socio-economic issues mentioned in the scenario. (3)
    Hint: These are challenges that affect both society and business.
  2. Explain how poverty is affecting Ubuntu Clothing's business. (3)
  3. What is the impact of counterfeit goods on small businesses like Ubuntu Clothing? (2)
  4. Give ONE way Ubuntu Clothing can support employees affected by HIV/AIDS. (1)
  5. Why is it important for businesses to practice inclusivity in the workplace? (4

SUBMIT THIS ACTIVITY UNDER SUBMIT ASSESSMENTS AND TASKS : NAME IT ACTIVITY 3

MEMORANDUM FOR ACTIVITY 3

1. Identify THREE socio-economic issues mentioned in the scenario. (3 marks)

  • Poverty – customers can't afford to buy clothes.
  • HIV/AIDS – some employees are affected and frequently absent.
  • Unemployment – loyal customers are out of work. (Alternative answers: counterfeit goods, strikes, inclusivity/disability in hiring)

2. Explain how poverty is affecting Ubuntu Clothing's business. (3 marks)
Poverty reduces customers’ purchasing power. Since many people in the community are unemployed or struggling financially, they cannot afford to buy clothes from Ubuntu Clothing. This leads to a decline in sales and income for the business.

3. What is the impact of counterfeit goods on small businesses like Ubuntu Clothing? (2 marks)
Counterfeit goods sold at cheaper prices compete unfairly with original products. They reduce Ubuntu Clothing’s sales, damage the brand’s reputation, and make it harder for the business to survive financially.

4. Give ONE way Ubuntu Clothing can support employees affected by HIV/AIDS. (1 mark)
They can offer flexible working hours or provide access to health support programmes such as HIV counselling, education, and treatment referrals.

5. Why is it important for businesses to practice inclusivity in the workplace? (4 marks)

  • It promotes equality and fairness by giving opportunities to everyone, including people with disabilities and from different backgrounds.

  • Inclusivity creates a positive work environment where all employees feel valued.

  • It can improve team performance through diverse skills and perspectives.

  • Businesses that embrace inclusivity show social responsibility, which enhances their reputation and attracts a wider customer base.

Activity 4

Question 1

  1. Explain how gambling can indirectly affect a clothing business in a low-income community. (3 marks)
    (Hint: Think about consumer spending and behaviour.)

  2. In your own words, describe how inclusivity in the workplace can help reduce inequality in South Africa. Provide one example. (4 marks)

  3. Differentiate between piracy and counterfeiting. In your answer, include an example of each. (4 marks)

  4. Evaluate the impact of strikes and political unrest on small businesses. In your opinion, what should a small business do to prepare for such events? (4 marks)

MEMORANDUM FOR ACTIVITY 4

1.Explain how gambling can indirectly affect a clothing business in a low-income community. (3 marks)

Answer:
Gambling can reduce the amount of money people have available for basic needs. In low-income communities, customers might spend their income on gambling instead of buying clothing. This leads to reduced sales for the clothing business and can harm its profits over time.

2. In your own words, describe how inclusivity in the workplace can help reduce inequality in South Africa. Provide one example. (4 marks)

Answer:
Inclusivity ensures that people from all backgrounds—regardless of race, gender, or disability—get equal opportunities at work. It helps reduce inequality by giving everyone a fair chance to earn a living and grow in their careers.
Example: A business that hires and trains people with disabilities helps them become independent and contribute to the economy.

3. Differentiate between piracy and counterfeiting. In your answer, include an example of each. (4 marks)

Answer:

  • Piracy is the illegal copying and selling of original products such as music, movies, or software.
    Example: Downloading and selling a movie that is still in theatres.

  • Counterfeiting is the production and sale of fake goods that look like branded items.
    Example: Selling fake Nike shoes in the informal market.

4. Evaluate the impact of strikes and political unrest on small businesses. In your opinion, what should a small business do to prepare for such events? (4 marks)

Answer:
Strikes and political unrest can stop business operations, damage property, and scare away customers. This leads to financial losses and even closure.
Preparation: Small businesses should have insurance, improve security, and develop a crisis plan to respond quickly during unrest.

ASSIGNMENTS

(Answer all questions, use your own words and submit a pdf document under the submit assessment and tasks tab)

ASSIGNMENT 3

ESSAY ASSIGNMENT ( Submit a PDF document - 40 Marks)

Grade: 10
Topic: Contemporary Socioeconomic Issues
Type: Essay
Length: 1½ to 2 pages (typed or neatly handwritten)
Marks: /40

Instructions

Write a well-structured essay in which you address the following aspects related to socioeconomic issues and their impact on businesses in South Africa. You must use subheadings where appropriate and support your answers with relevant examples.

Essay guidelines

1. Introduction

  • Define or explain the term “socioeconomic issues.”
  • Briefly state why these issues pose a challenge to businesses in South Africa.

2. Key Socioeconomic Issues and Their Impact on Businesses

Discuss each of the following issues by explaining its meaning and describing its impact on businesses:

  • Inequality and poverty
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Gambling (include types: e.g., online gambling, casinos, informal betting)
  • Piracy (include media, software, clothing, etc.)
  • Counterfeiting, bootlegging
  • Strikes and labour unrest
  • Political disturbance, violence, and crime

3. Business Responses and Solutions

  • Explain the meaning and purpose of inclusivity in the workplace, and how it helps businesses respond to inequality.
  • Recommend solutions businesses can use to combat piracy, including: Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks

4. Conclusion

  • Summarise the overall impact of socioeconomic issues on the success, profitability, and sustainability of businesses.
  • Briefly explain why businesses must be proactive in addressing these challenges.

 

Last modified: Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 1:19 AM