South Africa
is the most unequal country in the world and these high levels of is inequality are fuelling instability.
Inequality undermines attempts at building social cohesion. Despite government attempts to maximise feelings of unity in the land, far too many feel alienated and excluded in South Africa.(I argue these points in an article published at the end of August 2013 at www.sacsis.org.za)
Cities are focal points of inequality and the consequences that flow from it. The wealthiest and the poorest people are lumped together in the city, making it a place of tension and pressure. In many senses, we are one; at the same time, high walls, burglar bars, gated areas and security companies draw a line of mistrust and fear between us.
The facts of inequality are stark. The last census reported that, in 2011, the average Black African annual household income was R60 613 compared to the average annual income of white households of R365 134.
There is clearly a link between inequality and heightened levels of protest action. Inequality – and the social anger it generates – shapes the nature and form of political expression.
Inequality is bad for all of us. It is thus time that the public in South African became involved in supporting policies and initiatives aimed at extensive reduction of inequality.
To read more, go to: http://tinyurl.com/mpstgdj.
Inequality undermines attempts at building social cohesion. Despite government attempts to maximise feelings of unity in the land, far too many feel alienated and excluded in South Africa.(I argue these points in an article published at the end of August 2013 at www.sacsis.org.za)
Cities are focal points of inequality and the consequences that flow from it. The wealthiest and the poorest people are lumped together in the city, making it a place of tension and pressure. In many senses, we are one; at the same time, high walls, burglar bars, gated areas and security companies draw a line of mistrust and fear between us.
The facts of inequality are stark. The last census reported that, in 2011, the average Black African annual household income was R60 613 compared to the average annual income of white households of R365 134.
There is clearly a link between inequality and heightened levels of protest action. Inequality – and the social anger it generates – shapes the nature and form of political expression.
Inequality is bad for all of us. It is thus time that the public in South African became involved in supporting policies and initiatives aimed at extensive reduction of inequality.
To read more, go to: http://tinyurl.com/mpstgdj.
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