The social architecture formed over more than three centuries of White rule has
maintained South Africa’s position as the world’s most unequal society
Attempts by the now-democratic government to wipe away the legacy of apartheid and
colonialism have failed to narrow the imbalance between rich and poor, with 3,500
adults owning more than the poorest 32 million people in the country of 60 million
During colonialism and structured apartheid from the late 1940s, Black South Africans
were largely denied economic opportunities.
More than a quarter century of democratic rule has seen the growth of a Black middle
class and a Black business and political elite.
Yet, most South Africans still suffer from a woeful education system that leaves them ill
prepared for jobs, while townships, built for Blacks during apartheid, leave them far
away from workplaces.
Discontent with economic prospects and an unemployment rate of more than 30% has
stoked unrest in Africa’s most industrialized economy. That’s limited expansion and
curtailed investment.
Laws ranging from affirmative action to mandating minimum Black-owned stakes in
businesses have done little to narrow inequality.