text: E/C.10/1989/7, E/C.10/1989/8, E/C.10/1989/9, E/C.10/1988/7 submitted to the Commission on Transnational Corporations, and on the report prepared by Beate Klein, entitled "Transnational corporate disinvestment from Africa: Selective disengagement" (United Nations Centre against Apartheid. Notes and documents - 13/88, August 1988). earnings, an annual inflation rate of about 15 per cent, repayment obligations of a debt of $US 27.5 billion, domestic budgetary management difficulties and "the rocky state of world markets" for trade and finance, the South African economy, if not heading for a breakdown, has been showing symptoms of fatigue. B. Current trends in disinvestment 15. In a revised report (E/1989/17) of the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations in South Africa/Namibia, information on the current status of TNCs for 20 countries is provided under the following heads: (a) TNCs which have disposed of their equity interests in South Africa/Namibia; (b) TNCs with interests in companies (more than 10 per cent of equity ownership) in South Africa; (c) TNCs with interests in companies (10 per cent equity ownership) in Namibia; (d) TNCs in the process of disposing of their equity interests in South Africa/Namibia. This list was compiled and amended through use of all available sources of information such as annual reports, company directories, business and trade directories, specialized publications, magazines, etc., as well as through verification by the corporations concerned. However, it should be remembered that the eligibility criterion of 10 per cent equity ownership disqualifies many firms from inclusion in this list. 16. Of the 1,226 transnational corporations identified as operating through subsidiaries or affiliates in South Africa, 563 disposed of their equity interests between 1984 and 1988, that is, 46 per cent of the total number of TNCs in South Africa. Today, TNCs with equity interests in South Africa/Namibia account for slightly over 50 per cent. Some 31, or
analysis: The text appears to be discussing the economic situation of South Africa, specifically the disinvestment of transnational corporations (TNCs) from the country. It provides statistics on the number of TNCs that have disposed of their equity interests in South Africa and Namibia, and discusses the economic challenges facing the country. The text also mentions the impact of disinvestment on the South African economy.