Development cooperation i South Africa
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Since 1994, the apartheid laws of South Africa have been replaced by a democratic constitution and laws to ensure equal rights for all. The country is wealthy and the government coalition policies have promoted economic growth and better relations between the various population groups. Large groups of people have improved their access to education and decent work.
The problem is that wealth and power are unevenly distributed and has made South Africa one of the countries with the highest inequality in the world. A small elite of white, but also black people has positioned themselves in the economic sectors and the government, and is becoming increasingly wealthy and powerful. On the other hand, nearly half the population are affected by unemployment and live below the poverty level. Social welfare schemes are undermined by privatization of public goods, land distribution remains a burning issue and corruption is an increasing problem. Unless such and other injustices are dealt with, social discontent may become a fertile breeding ground for xenophobia and political populism.
At the same time, there is a tendency to restrict voices that question this development, and in particular media. For instance, the government has promoted media and secrecy laws that will restrict freedom of expression and criminalize investigative journalism in public financial affairs, if passed and signed into law.
South Africa is among the biggest investors in Africa, including Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The interests are linked to industry, energy, tourism and trade, but also land and natural resources like forestry, natural gas and minerals. The country continues to play a leading political role in the region through SADC, bi-lateral cooperation or as arena for civil society actors whose scope is regional.
Norwegian People’s Aid supported the fight against the apartheid regime. In 1992 we commenced the partnership with local organizations and institutions to solve the problems faced by the people in the local communities. Today our partners are social organizations and interest groups that are dealing with the current challenges and power structures and are attempting to influence these so that redistribution and equalization can take place.I Many South African organizations work regionally. They actively contribute to building alliances and exchange of learning experiences, and cooperate in order to solve common problems.
