In this Business Talk with Michael Avery interview, Dr Frans Cronje discusses how organized crime and illicit economic activity are exploiting weaknesses in the South African state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cronje is an Independent Political Analyst and Scenario Planner who runs the advisory firm Frans Cronje Private Clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He built up nearly two decades of experience working for Africa\u2019s oldest research and policy think-tank and established that organisation\u2019s risk advisory consultancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cronje has analysed and reported on subjects including public opinion polling, education trends, growth forecasts, currency estimates, security risks, global trade wars, presidential elections, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He has also authored three best-seller list books, and taught scenario-based strategy to the MBA program of a top South African business school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this Business Talk interview, Cronje discusses the implications of illicit trade on South Africa\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He unpacks how parallel economies can erode the authority of the state across areas such as tax collection, organized crime, and border control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cronje then delves into the question of whether illicit trade is a symptom or a cause of state weakness, and discusses the long-term risks illicit trade poses, including threats to South Africa\u2019s sovereignty and national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He covers the different types of illicit economies in South Africa, including political funding, tobacco, mining, and organized crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cronje concludes the discussion by explaining how South Africa can fight back against illicit trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch the full interview with Frans Cronje, below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n