Fattigdom i Sydafrika: Løsninger gennem beskæftigelse

In South Africa nearly half the adult population lives in poverty, which means that nearly half the adult population lives for less than 425 Danish Kroner per month. The consequences of poverty have a big influence on society as a whole. Poverty is often the beginning of a vicious circle where obstacles and troubles are passed from one generation to the next. Because of the low income many children have to work to provide a bit of money for their struggling family and in this way, they miss out on an education and on an opportunity to improve their future.

Poverty also often leads to poor housing situations. Living in an unsafe environment can result in accidents (for example because of the use of fire as a heater), diseases caused by unsafe water or food, and a higher risk of becoming a victim of a crime.

A solution to the high level of poverty in South Africa could be increased employment. An increase in employment would have a positive effect on the individual and the South African society as a whole.

First of all, employment would have a positive effect on the education of the children of a newly employed. Due to the increase in income the newly employed South African will be able to send his children to a school - maybe even a private school. Although there are free public schools in South Africa the private ones offer better quality and better connections. Education of his children would help break the vicious circle.