South African economists immediately came out to dismiss his assertion, arguing that the South African state does not meet the factors that define a "failed state" such as widespread civil unrest, dysfunctional civil society, absence of an independent judiciary and a lack of protection for private property.
Muda mfupi baadae, wataalamu wa Uchumi nchini Afrika Kusini walijitokeza kukanusha matamashi hayo, wakisema kuwa nchi ya Afrika Kusini haina vigezo vyovyote vya kuitwa "taifa lililokwama kiuchumi" kama vile ghasia zilizoenea za wenyewe kwa wenyewe, kutokufanya kazi kwa asasi za kiraia, kutokuwepo kwa mhimili wa mahakama unaojitegemea na kutokuwepo kwa ulinzi wa mali za watu.