Poverty Reduction: A Challenge in Post-Apartheid South Africa

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Since the installation of a democratic government following the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has worked toward bringing economic equality to historically disadvantaged (non-white) groups. Despite major institutional transformations of the judicial, educational, health, housing and governance sectors, however, income disparity continues to rank amongst the highest in the world. According to Global Insight, for instance, 20.5 million black South Africans (56% of total black population) were living in poverty in 2003, compared with 190,000 white South Africans (4% of total white population). Official unemployment estimates are at 30%, although many believe 40% unemployment is more accurate. Poverty among South Africa’s disadvantaged groups is exacerbated by one of the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rates (Energy Information Administration, 2005). South Africa is rated as the 5th most unequal state in the world. The country is facing challenges associated with economic growth, HIV/AIDS, equality, sustainable development, etc. By using Census data this research paper attempt to analyze changes that occur since 1994 regarding poverty. Considering the fact that South Africa is unable to reduce poverty and unemployment due to population growth, urbanization and increased labour force participation, the mandate of the ruling party for the 2nd decade of democracy, i.e. by 2014 reduces unemployment and poverty by half is a topic of discussion. The paper deals with supposition that policy-makers acquire relevant, authentic and valid economic, social and demographic information to monitor, analyze and evaluate the extent and nature of change that is required for the reduction of poverty. This information may assist policy-makers to correlate the impact of poverty with the degree to which policies promote human development. This paper hopes to contribute different perspectives on the issues of poverty, explores different levels of negotiation and tries to develop a common understanding of the problem of poverty.

Reference
Energy Information Administration. 2005. Country Analysis Brief. www.eia.doe.gov

Stream: Economic Sustainability

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Ernest Ababio obtained the D Litt et Phil in Public Administration with University of South Africa. He is an Associate Professor and Head of Public Management and Administration at the Vaal Triangle Campus of North-West University in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.. .The lecturing and research interests of Ernest are in Public Policy, Local Government, Public Finance and in Regional Integration. Ernest has authored a number of articles in refereed and accredited journals in these specialized research areas. Prof Ababio has attended and participated in numerous local and international conferences in Public Management and Administration. These include conferences on European Community Studies in Africa; and on African Union and NEPAD. Ernest sits as member and chair of a number of committees for municipalities and is involved in organization of workshop and short courses for councilors and municipal officials..

Dr. Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad obtained her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Rajasthan, India. She is specialized in Public Administration with additional qualifications in Business Management and Public Relations. She was a Research Fellow at the York University in Canada. She has authored three books and contributed chapters to books. She has published 26 research papers in accredited and non-accredited journals. She has presented 37 research papers in conferences in South Africa, India, Japan, Namibia and United Arab Emirates. She is a life-member of nine professional bodies of Public Administration and Higher Education in India and South Africa. Her main research areas of interest are service delivery, public policy, gender issues and governance.