The land of health and death

Life expectancy of a white South African now stands at 71 years and that of a black South African at 48 years.  40% of all health expenditure goes to the public health, which services to about 80% of the population. A black female South African has a 7,2% chance of dying in the first year of her life, whereas the white male has 3% chance of dying. A black South African female can expect to live 12 years shorter than the white male.

Extreme wealth and deprivation

The richest 10% of households in South Africa enjoyed well over 50% of all household income. An average African man earns in the region of R2 400 per month, whilst an average white man earns around R19 000 per month.  Most white women earn in the region of R9 600 per month, whereas most African women earn R1 200 per month.  Whites still hold 75% of senior jobs in private business whereas blacks have 12%. The unemployment rate among Africans is 29% (narrow definition), and 5% amongst whites.  A broad definition of unemployment  – which includes people what have stopped looking for work or beg for a living – puts unemployment at over 40%. 

Education for the few

70% of our schools do not have libraries and 60% do not have laboratories.  60% of children are pushed out of the schooling system before they reach grade 12.  Almost 50% of African heads of households have less than Std 7 and in contrast, only 8% of white heads of households have the same level of education. Whites account for 40% of university graduates.