Over the last few weeks, an avian flu outbreak in South Africa caused egg and chicken shortages nationwide. In response to these shortages, retailers like Woolworths and Pick n Pay are rationing the amount of eggs consumers can buy to one or two egg packs. James Hodge, chief economist and acting deputy commissioner at the Competition Commissioner, said during supply shocks, as is the case with chickens and eggs, rationing is preferred over increasing prices to decrease demand.
[As the extortion economy pioneered in KwaZulu-Natal spreads, companies have to cope with a complicit state, mushrooming “business forums” and limited economic space for assimilation. In desperation, some have turned to taxi bosses, a group known for their capacity for violent enforcement, for help. [ South Africa’s armoured vehicle providers have noted that demand for protection is rising, with one maker reporting sales growth of up to 25% annually in recent years.