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 Africa’s workforce. The report draws the distinction between unemployment in South Africa and structural inequality within South Africa’s workforce. These two issues have combined to ensure the persistence of economic disenfranchisement amongst South Africa’s 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 Africa’s 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 Africa’s economic transformation.’
The report assesses disparities in unemployment statistics across South Africa’s 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. TSA’s resources are used by governments, inter-governmental organizations, journalists and business to assist with their Africa-focused missions.
http://thinksecurityafrica.org
SOURCE Think Security Africa
