Poverty and Inequality in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ijpid.673Keywords:
Inequality, income distribution, earnings distribution, unemployment, poverty, South Africa.Abstract
Since the advent of the new democratic dispensation, the South African government has developed policies which have focused on poverty alleviation. The social security system has been expanded over the past few years, particularly to children and the disability sectors. However, the social security system may become unsustainable in the future. Van der Berg, Burger, Burger, Louw & Yu (2005) suggest that social assistance is nearing the boundaries of its ability to alleviate poverty. Given all the gains that have been made, South Africa still remains one of the highest in the world in terms of income inequality (World Bank Report, 2006). Inequality is also demonstrated through lack of access to natural resources; a two-tiered educational system; a dual health system; and other socio-economic dimensions. This increasing inequality is an issue of concern to policy makers and social scientists. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the nature and dimensions of poverty and inequality, focusing on the gains that have been made, but identifying the gaps that remain. In addition, policy options, consequences and recommendations will be entertained.
Downloads
References
Adeosun A. B. (2012). The Role of Good Governance and Effective Public Administration Towards Achieving Economic Growth and Stability in Fledgeling Democracy. International Journal of Politics and Good Governance Volume 3, No. 3.3 Quarter III, pp1-17
Aliber, M. (2002). Poverty-eradication and Sustainable Development. Cape Town, HSRC Press
Arowolo D.E. and Aluko O. A. (2012). Democracy, political participation and good Governance in Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Sustainability. Special Issue: Development and Sustainability in Africa – Part 1. Vol 1 N0 3: Pages 797-809
Ene E. I., Abam A., Williams J. J. & Dunnamah A. Y. (2013). “Corruption Control and Political Stability in Nigeria: Implication for Value Re-Orientation in Politics”. Global Journal of Human Social Science Interdisciplinary. Vol 13 Issue 1 Version 1.0. Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA) Online
Frye, I. (2006). Poverty and unemployment in South Africa. National Labour & Economic Development Institute (NALEDI) Gumede, V. (2006). “Research missed poverty line”, City Press, April 13, p. 10
Magasela, W. (2005a). Towards a Constitution-based definition of poverty in post-apartheid South Africa. State of the Nation, South Africa, 2005-2006. Cape Town, HSRC Press May, J et al. (1998). Poverty and Inequality in South Africa. Report prepared for the Office of the Executive Deputy President and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Poverty and Inequality, Summary Report, May 13
Mangu, André Mbata B. (2012) “Good governance and democratic leadership for an African Renaissance: A reflection on AU member states’ compliance with the AUCPCC.” International Journal of African Renaissance Studies. Vol. 7 (2). pp. 18–37.
Nnablife, N. K. E. (2010) “Defining and enforcing ethical leadership in Nigeria.” African Journal of Economic and Management Studies. Vol. 1. No.1. pp: 25-41.
Okojie, C. & Shimeles, A. (2006) “Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Synthesis of Recent Research on the Levels, Trends, Effects, and Determinants of Inequality in its Different Dimensions,” Report of the Inter-Regional Inequality Facility, Overseas Development Institute, London, UK.
Ologbenla, Derin K. (2007) “Leadership, Governance and Corruption in Nigeria.” Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa. Vol. 9, No.3. Pp: 97-118.
Omoyibo, K. U. (2013) “Leadership, Governance, and Poverty in Nigeria”. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. Vol 4 No 6 July. Published by MCSER-CEMAS- Sapienza University of Rome. Doi:10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p29
Omoyibo, K. U. (2013) “Leadership, Governance, and Poverty in Nigeria”. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. Vol 4 No 6 July. Published by MCSER-CEMAS- Sapienza University of Rome. Doi:10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p29
Ravallion, M. & Chen, S. (2012) “Monitoring Inequality,” Published on Let's Talk Development, http://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk
Statistic Brain Research Institute. (2014). Percentages, Numbers, Financials and Ranking. http://www.statisticbrain.com/. Date accessed: 7 Aug. 2015.
Taylor, V. (2002). The Committee of Inquiry into a Comprehensive Social Security System. Transforming the present – Protecting the Future. Draft Report. Seekings, J & Nattrass, N. (2005). Class, Race and Inequality in South Africa. Scottsville, University of Kwazulu-Natal Press.
Taylor, V. (2002). The Committee of Inquiry into a Comprehensive Social Security System. Transforming the present – Protecting the Future. Draft Report. Imhonopi D. and Ugochukwu M.U. (2013) Leadership Crisis And Corruption In The Nigerian Public Sector: An Albatross Of National Development. The African Symposium: An Online Journal of the African Educational Research Network.Vol.13, No.1.
Van der Berg, S; Burger, R; Burger, R; Louw, M; Yu, D. (2005). Trends in poverty and inequality since the political transition. Bureau for Economic Research, Dept. of Economics. University of Stellenbosch. 1/2005.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 Kehinde David Folarin
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work’s authorship and initial publication in this journal.
