After the numerous disruptions to the effective functioning of the SA economy in recent years, the government should by now have sought to better understand the risks.    

Specifically, it is important for any country to have a clear picture of which imports, when disrupted, would threaten the wellbeing of its citizens. Interruptions to imports of festive decorations, toys or bikinis may irritate citizens but do not have the same effect as the sudden absence of medicines and other life-saving goods...