ECONOMY
Race, wealth still 'linked'
Posted Mon, 26 Jun 2006
Race is still a key factor in access to wealth in South Africa, says a government report on macro-social trends released on Friday. The 109-page document released in Pretoria, 'A nation in the making: A discussion document on macro-social trends in South Africa', revealed a society still grappling with transition. It was produced by the Policy Co-ordination and Advisory Services (PCAS) of the Social Sector in the Presidency.
Race is still a big factor, in economic access, identity and social relations, says the document. "In terms of ownership and control of wealth and income, access to social services such as health, water, housing, electricity and education; the character of civil-society structures to which individuals belong; and public opinion on various aspects of government activity, this profile is all still too obvious." The report says there has been "an improvement" in the quality of life of the majority, but that the backlogs, still defined by
race, "remain huge". Race is being replaced by wealth as a social factor: "While race and nationality/language seem to be receding as primary forms of self-definition, class identity seems to be on the ascendancy."
There is a "general sense that race relations have improved". Complaints of racism appear to arise from the loss of exclusive privileges. "The data overall points to a society in dynamic change, both materially and spiritually," said the report. "Overall, the data points to increasing levels of social cohesion, in terms of unity, coherence, functionality and pride among South Africans. However, this is drawn back by the legacy of inequality, intense migratory trends, crime related to social conditions and vestiges of racism in terms of attitudes and practical actions." The document notes HIV/Aids as a key problem. "Of critical importance is to contain the HIV and Aids epidemic, while using these efforts to improve awareness of health
issues generally and improving health infrastructure."
The report says Stats SA has concluded that "Aids-related" causes of death increased from about 15 percent of all deaths in 1997 to about 25 percent in 2001. "In other words, there is clearly not only a pandemic in silent attack, but its fatal impact is starting to express itself palpably in both morbidity and mortality. "The most affected in this regard are able-bodied citizens in the prime of their lives. These would most likely be parents of young children and possibly breadwinners of extended families who are also among the most skilled within the population." On crime, the reports says "the majority" of contact crimes occur in poor areas and that key causes of crime are poverty and greed.
It notes tension between encouraging a "market-based system premised on cut-throat competition" and "the desire to build a caring society", saying this impacts on the development of public policy.
Education, observes the document, is providing "welcome possibilities". Rural areas remain depressed and migration to urban areas continues, emphasising the need for spatial planning. Government programmes targeting women, children and the disabled in attempts to improve equality have had a discernible impact, but from a low base. The report notes an increase in single or extended families. This "presents serious challenges of household subsistence in poor areas and the social upbringing of the young".
Sapa
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