Functionality and comparative advantages among the provinces of South Africa: A location quotient analysis of employment distribution.

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the functions of provinces in South Africa and their respective comparative advantages from 2013 to 2017, in terms of employment absorption. It is predicted or assumed that there are considerable spatial disparities in the functions and comparative advantage profiles among provinces, some of them performing highly sophisticated functions and being comparatively better in terms of labour market outcomes than others. It is also assumed that this comes as a result of spatial preferences in location of firms.