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.
Wanauchumi wa Afrika Kusini mara moja walikuja kung'amua dai lake, wakibisha kwamba serikali ya Afrika Kusini haikabili mambo yanayofasili "hali iliyoharibika" kama vile ghasia za kiraia zenye kuenea sana, ubaguzi wa kiraia, kutokuwepo kwa mahakama huru na ukosefu wa ulinzi kwa mali za kibinafsi.