The growing inequality due to unemployment and lack of economic success in South Africa has created a lot of criticism over the current President Jacob Zuma. Many individuals are out of work and are suffering from consistent poverty and those who are working still only attain low wages. With the growing criticism and problems in South Africa President Zuma has proposed a plan to invest 100 billion dollars in infrastructure spending which hopefully will create new jobs. The problem seems to have reached a head so that is why the President has finally made a move. 75,000 workers have gone on strike and walked off the job due to these poor working situations. Over the President plans on investing 475 billion dollars into the country to help improve jobs and infrastructure. The South African economy is not suffering just because of its own government. It has also taken an impact because of the international market being poor especially the European market as that is there biggest trade partner. Furthermore these problems are creating even more problems as violence has become common. This was further shown when police opened fire on striking workers on August 16th.
From our reading we have seen that African country's suffer from many problems that most country's do not suffer from. This partially stems from their own political and economical problems but also the rule that colonial powers played in ruling over them and then leaving abruptly after taking resources without leaving any guide as to how to build a successful country. The inequality that is currently affecting South Africa is not an isolated situation. As the global recession continues we see more and more individuals becoming frustrated and demanding a response. Although there are many people who want change and it would most certainly be beneficial it is not that easy. Finding a solution to these problems is something that will take a lot of smart minds and time. However, the longer it takes the more inequality will grow and in turn more problems will arise.
Eric Spriegel 10/21/2012 3:43
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/20/world/africa/south-africa-president-jacob-zuma-unveils-100-billion-jobs-program.html?_r=0
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