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22 Sept 2026
20m

The mob rule: criminality consumes South Africa

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Economist Podcasts

South Africa faces a severe organized crime crisis, with illicit activities—ranging from extortion mafias to state capture—costing the economy roughly 10% of its GDP. Meanwhile, the smart ring manufacturer Oura has achieved significant growth and profitability by positioning itself as a health-tracking device rather than a mere fitness tool, leveraging accurate biometric data and a subscription-based software model. Finally, the newly opened $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles presents a unique, albeit controversial, vision of visual storytelling. While the museum showcases an extensive collection of narrative art, its unconventional, information-light approach and the founder’s heavy-handed curatorial control have sparked debate regarding its long-term impact and institutional effectiveness.

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