The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report will be out on September 3.

This much-cited report ranks countries according to their competitiveness. The World Economic Forum defines competitiveness as the “institutions, policies, and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country”.

Countries are assessed according to twelve pillars of competitiveness: Institutions, infrastructure, macro-economic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, labour market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication and innovation.

In last year’s ranking South Africa was ranked at number 53 out of 148 countries.

Mauritius was ranked as the most competitive economy on the continent, overtaking South Africa to the lead position, coming in at 45.

The continent’s main weaknesses were identified as weak infrastructure, underperformance in providing basic health and education and a low rate of technological adoption.

South Africa fares well on its institutions and financial sector development. It came in first in the world for the strength of its auditing and reporting standards, the efficacy of corporate boards and for the protection of minority shareholders’ interests.

The country also fares well on competition regulation and property rights.

The country is ranked badly when it comes to measures of governance and human capital development. The ranking for the macro-economic dropped sharply last year (from 69th to 95th).

There was also a general lack of trust in politicians and high perceptions of wastefulness of government spending.

South Africa scored near or at the bottom of the 148 country list for indicators dealing with health and education.

The picture is also dire when it comes to the labour market. The country came last on labour-employer relations and second last for rigid hiring and firing practices.

South Africa’s social sustainability is undermined by high income inequality and youth unemployment, according to the World Economic Forum.

Against the backdrop of weak economic growth, downgraded sovereign ratings and continued labour relations strife, the country will struggle to hold on to its ranking in Wednesday’s report.

» Read more about the Global Competitiveness Report 2014 - 2015.