Successes and Challenges in South Africa

To some it still seems like a miracle: The transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa has taken place to a large extent in a peaceful manner. Nelson Mandela’s ideas of reconciliation and dialogue have to this day remained national goals. The project of a “rainbow nation” of peaceful coexistence of many peoples of all skin colours in one state, South Africa, has had a good start.

By now, the democracy and economic power of South Africa contributes to peace, safety and development on the entire African continent. In South Africa, however, many challenges remain:

Poverty. Even 16 years after the end of apartheid, the majority of the population is still in poverty according to international standards. Prospects for the future are unevenly distributed. Despite a GDP of US$ 5,890 per capita (2008) 42.9% of South Africans still live on less than 2 US$ a day.

Inequality and unemployment. Based on the Gini-coefficient, South Africa is one of the countries with the highest income disparities. Its value is 57.8 out of 100, which represents absolute inequality (Germany: 28.3). Unemployment figures are officially at 24.5%, in real times a figure of 40% seem realistic.

Crime rate. 50 homicides and 870 break-ins per day are also the result of poverty, inequality, and alcohol and drug abuse. Basic services to the public. Population growth, complex restructuring of public administration after apartheid, as well as lack of the needed skills turn the delivery of comprehensive, nationwide basic services into a long-winded process.

HIV&AIDS. Nowhere in the world are HIV & AIDS raging as virulently as in South Africa. At a prevalence rate of 10.9% under 2 years and 18.2% of the 15-49 year old population, as well as, officially, 1,000 AIDS deaths per day, the improvement of medical care and education of people on this subject is of vital importance.

Climate change. The developing country, South Africa, due to large-scale utilisation of coal, counts among the largest CO2- emitters worldwide (rank 11 absolute) and continues to require more and more energy for realising its development goals.