SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Despite the early hope of Ramaphoria, it is becoming apparent that South Africa finds itself in great economic, social, and political trouble. This is according to Dr Frans Cronjé who leads the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR).
Cronjé and his Director of Strategic Operations, Sihle Ngobese, will be visiting Plettenberg Bay, George, and Mossel Bay next week to brief Garden Route residents on how they see what is happening in South Africa today and how they believe the future of the country will unfold.
According to IRR analysts, despite the country's extraordinary potential, this year the South African economy may grow at a tenth of the average rate for emerging markets and in real terms people are becoming poorer.
The country's debt levels have more than doubled and the government is rapidly running out of money. More than half of young people do not have a job, while only three out of every 100 children will pass maths in matric with a grade of 60% or higher. Crime and violence continues to take a terrible toll with almost half a million people murdered in South Africa since 1994 at a rate per capita almost thirty times greater than that of Australia.
Cronjé says a sluggish economy and tough social circumstances are driving up levels of political instability. "Confidence in the future of our country has fallen by more than half, while the number of violent protests has increased by at least 300% in a decade.
"IRR polls show that support for the ANC has fallen to a record low point of 52% while the official opposition is wracked with infighting and confusion. Despite 'new dawn' promises, many of the ideologues and perpetrators of state capture remain in government while President Ramaphosa has made the destructive and divisive policy of expropriation without compensation the centrepiece of his policy framework."
Yet, for all the dangers, Ngobese and Cronjé are emphatic that South Africa can be turned around. They will explain how they believe this can happen and answer questions on what citizens can do to secure a peaceful and prosperous future.
Ngobese and Cronjé will deliver free public briefings at three events over three nights; in Plettenberg Bay at 18:00 on 16 October at the Verandah at Goose Valley; in George on 17 October at 18:00 at the King George Protea Hotel; and in Mossel Bay on 18 October at 18:00 at Bravo Lounge.
For more information on the IRR, visit www.irr.org.za or contact Marius Roodt on 063 694 2611. Space is limited so RSVP to Haley Jimmie at info@sairr.org.za.
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