New Report Marking 20 Years Of Freedom In South Africa, Proposes Way Out Of Inequality Trap

The run up to South Africas 20th year of Freedom and presidential elections on May 7th have been marred by acrimonious and violent labour disputes emblematic of concern about inequality amongst South Africas black majority.

Online PR News – 29-April-2014 – The issue of inequality has long held the potential to become a threat to long-term security in South Africa, and will continue to be a key issue ahead of elections and beyond. In view of the important role South Africa plays in managing conflict in Africa, this issue could potentially impact security in Africa.

A new report from Think Security Africa (TSA) ‘Chasing the South African Dream’ uses official statistics, graphs and other visuals to shed new light on the issue of inequality within South Africas workforce. The report draws the distinction between unemployment in South Africa and structural inequality within South Africas workforce. These two issues have combined to ensure the persistence of economic disenfranchisement amongst South Africas black majority, and have raised concerns about social security in South Africa.

Citing government statistics the report states that: Despite making up 75.2% of South Africas workforce, only 23% of senior management and 19.8% of top-level management positions in South Africa are held by black Africans. It then goes on to explain that: Those communities that are predominantly black, but are still able to defy dangerous unemployment levels are likely to hold the key to South Africas economic transformation.

The report assesses disparities in unemployment statistics across South Africas provinces and municipalities and notes previously overlooked factors beyond race that may determine employment rates in even those provinces most stricken by unemployment. Based on these new insights, the report suggests measures that may help in overcoming the impasse between labour and big business in South Africa, and ultimately reduce national inequality.

The report is available for download at http://thinksecurityafrica.org/research/chasing-the-south-african-dream

Think Security Africa (TSA) is an independent think tank specializing in security in Africa. The core mission of TSA is to improve understanding of security in Africa, and engage in objective research into the causes and potential solutions to insecurity across Africa. TSAs resources are used by governments, inter-governmental organizations, journalists and business to assist with their Africa-focused missions.