The Poverty Of South Africa - 1509 Words

The three wealthiest families in the world have more assets than the combined wealth of the forty eight poorest nations. Just like how most money is in the hands of the few, during apartheid most power was in the minority leaving others to suffer without a chance to truly achieve their potential. In South Africa it became extreme to the point where certain races could only live in certain areas; clearly it lasted much too long.The main reasons why it lasted so long was because of the segregational laws, failed rallies; and lack of a leader. First we need a basic understanding of the apartheid system in South Africa. Apartheid was the structure of government in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It was Established by the National Party which was the government at the time. The term â€Å"apartheid† literally means apartment and was used to keep the white minority in power. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the segregational system didn’t exist before 1948, it just means that it became official then. One of the most distinguishing things about apartheid is its degrading laws. These laws were one of the main reasons why apartheid lasted so long. One of these laws was the Race classification act.This basically meant that everyone was classified according to race. It involved lots testing and continuously change between the races for example in 1984; 518 coloured people were defined as white; 2 whites were called chinese; 1 white was reclassified indian; 1 white becameShow MoreRelatedRacism And Poverty : South Africa1640 Words   |  7 PagesSince it’s foundation, South Africa has faced significant issues with racism and poverty. From the times of colonialism, to the era of apartheid, South Africans have been segregated in discriminatory contexts that have left a large proportion of the population living in desperate conditions. This segregation by race and socioeconomic status still exists today and is extremely prevalent in modern South African society. Townships that are prone to violence and extreme poverty surround every major cityRead MorePoverty in South Africa Essay475 Words   |  2 PagesPoverty is one of the greatest problems facing South Africa. South African families live in very unsatisfactory conditions. The South African government works hard to bring down the rate of poverty but it also seems to increase as they try. The majority of the South African people are unemployed or else the breadwinner of the family looses the job or dies. In that situation the family has nobody to provide them with the basic needs of life. The children have no money to go to school and that aloneRead MoreExtremes of Riches and Poverty in Cape Town, South Africa1129 Words   |  4 PagesBig cities of the rich American world comprise great extremes of wealth and poverty. The same is true of the cities of the poor world, if not more true. South Africa’s Cape Town could easily be said to straddle both the rich and the poor worlds in one city. Specifically, Cape Town experienced racial segregation during and after apartheid, which contributed to the making of rigid class systems. Also, globalization and economic aspects forced segregation of this urban space. With all of these factorsRead MoreThe Gretest Poverty of All: Bieng Unwanted, Unloved and Uncared For 1042 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"We think sometimes tha t poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.† (Mother Teresa) South Africa’s poverty affects the country in numerous ways; however and the most vulnerable margin in the country is the most effected. Children are the most vulnerable aspect in any country, as they are still developing, and don’t have the resources to be independent; they are also only able to take what they are given withoutRead MoreGender Roles And Gender Inequality1576 Words   |  7 Pagesgender roles and gender inequality that persists in South Africa help not only to explain their unbelievably difficult daily burdens but it also aids in the understanding of the lack of economic and political representation of women in the region (Bentley, 2004). Within South Africa there is a significant gap in the lack of opportunity and representation of women within the economic and political sphere, which directly correlates to their poverty. Often times the universal equality and importanceRead MoreThe Multifaceted State Of South Africa Underwent Vast Reconstruction1518 Words   |  7 PagesThe multifaceted state of South Africa underwent vast reconstruction after the end of the apartheid in 1994 and experienced transformative changes in the racial, economic and societal relations of the region. Aside from the divisions and devastations the country faced as a result of apartheid the country also opened its economy to international business, deregulating major sectors of its economy and engaging in trade liberalization policies in an attempt to spur economic growth and internationalRead MoreCase Study : South Africa Essay1498 Words   |  6 PagesCase study: South Africa South Africa is an upper-middle income country with a population of 52 million people and a GDP of 312.80 billion US dollars (â€Å"Statistics South Africa | The South Africa I Know, The Home I Understand†, n.d.). The country has the second largest economy in Africa; it plays a prominent role in sub-Saharan Africa and in the continent as a whole. South Africa was hugely shaped by the apartheid legacy, a system of racial segregation that began during the colonial rule and was officiallyRead MoreThe Effects of Globalization1678 Words   |  7 Pageswhich is commonly referred to as a global village (Egnatz, 2011). South Africa is integrated highly into the world economy. South Africa is the strongest African economy and has attained positions like being a member of G8 .All these are as a result of globalization. Globalization has had an impact on the economy, the government and social nature resulting to some effects. The paper will look at how globalization has affected South Africa under several categories. It will also give an explanation onRead MoreFreedom Of Choice : South Africa1241 Words   |  5 PagesLibertaria seeks to create absolute freedom for its people. In South Africa, people are free in numerous ways for instance South Africans are free to express themselves, go wherever they want, and follow any religion. Furthermore, Libertarians believe in freedom of choice which is the same belief occurring in South Africa. Freedom plays a major role in South Africa’s Bill of Rights, and is a reoccuring theme throughout South African laws and politics. The economic issue in Libetaria is that theRead MoreTo what extent is reducing the number of people living in absolute poverty sufficient to achieve economic growth and development?1222 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿To what extent is reducing the number of people living in absolute poverty sufficient to achieve economic growth and development? Absolute poverty measures the number of people living below a certain income threshold or the number of households unable to afford certain basic goods and services. Much of the poverty in developing countries, such as South Africa, tends to be absolute poverty. Economic growth can be defined as steady growth in the productive capacity of the economy. Short term growth