Why support charities in South Africa when it has the strongest economy on the African continent? Rae Morris explores why this common misconception diverts vital international funding away from a country in crisis…
Does South Africa have a strong economy?
In many ways South Africa appears to be successful. Its economy is “the most industrialised, technologically advanced and diversified in Africa.” As an emerging market and officially an upper-middle income economy, South Africa is “ranked 40th by total wealth, making it the second wealthiest country in Africa.” It also has the “largest economy in Africa and the 38th largest in the world by nominal GDP” [1]. This is impressive! Why then donate, fundraise or sponsor a charity in South Africa? Let’s look a little deeper and unearth other important truths.
Economic Imbalance: Inequality & Unemployment
In real terms, many South African citizens suffer from economic inequality, some of the worst unemployment figures in the world with an education system in crisis… and the situation only seems to be getting worse … take a look at these statistics:
“Approximately 55.5% (30.3 million people) of the population is living in poverty at the national upper poverty line while a total of 13.8 million people (25% of the population) are experiencing food poverty.”[2]
“As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate in South Africa stood at 32.1%,”[3] with “youth unemployment rising to 59.7% in Q1 2024. Therefore, for jobseekers aged 15-24 who are not enrolled at educational institutions and are actively looking for work, only four of every ten have jobs.”[4]
Is South Africa’s Education System in Crisis?
A struggling economy can also impact upon a country’s civil service: “according to the OECD[5], South Africa’s education system ranks 75th out of 76 mainly rich countries. 27% of students who have attended school for 6 years cannot read. After 5 years of school only about half can figure out that 24 divided by 3 = 8.”[6]
And it’s not just an academic issue … it cannot be ignored that “many schools in rural and impoverished areas lack basic infrastructure, such as clean water, electricity and sanitation.”[7]
To summarise: “Poverty, inequality, hunger, crime and parental education levels are interconnecting reasons behind poor education outcomes in South Africa, particularly among predominantly black and/or rural communities.”[8]
Couple this with political instability, a growing lack of confidence in the country’s civil service and the ever-increasing immigration of a skilled workforce, things look pretty grim for the local South African.
A Potential Solution: Grassroots Education Initiatives
BUT we believe a solution does exist – namely primary investment in quality education at a grassroots level … SOS Africa is an example of an independent Non-Profit Organisation investing every penny of donations into holistic education programmes providing educational support and training to those who need it the most.
We further support partnering schools in terms of providing resources, classrooms, sanitation and training, as well as fund the training of unemployed youths who take part in skills training programmes that guarantee employment.
The results of our efforts are tangible – not just in our daily interactions with previously disadvantaged children who can now enjoy the benefits of academic support, extracurricular activities and guidance, but also through the thriving of SOS Africa Alumni at university with consequent graduation, plus the fulltime employment of previously unemployed youths.
There is no doubt that South Africa needs attention and that donations towards grassroots charities can make a huge difference towards lowering unemployment and coming to the aid of an education system in crisis.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa
[4] SA has highest unemployment rate in world – ActionSA – POLITICS | Politicsweb
[5] international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
