There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what the top 5 social issues in South Africa are. However, some of the challenges that our country faces include poverty, inequality, unemployment, racism and xenophobia. These problems exist within a broader context of structural violence and human rights violations. While strides have been made to address these issues since 1994, much more needs to be done in order to truly create a society that is equal for all.
1) Poverty: Over 60% of the population lives below the national poverty line, which means they cannot afford basic necessities like food, shelter and healthcare.
Social and racial unrest
It is undeniable that South Africa has made great strides in addressing social issues since the end of Apartheid in 1994. However, much more needs to be done in order for there to be tangible change at both an individual level and within society as a whole. One of the biggest challenges facing the country is overcoming cultural Diversity. While South Africa is often lauded for its diversity, this same diversity can also lead to tension and conflict between different groups. It is only by coming together and celebrating our differences that we can hope to truly overcome these social issues.
A high level of unemployment.
The high unemployment rate is the foundation of many problems South Africa is facing today. As the adage goes, ‘the devil finds work for idle hands and many unemployed youths have a lot of time on their hands and out of frustration they turn to drug peddling, prostitution, armed robbery etc. This creates a vicious cycle of poverty, crime and social unrest.
HIV/AIDS
Unfortunately, South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Africa and the world. The spread of the disease has risen from poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. When people are desperate for money to pay their bills they may turn to prostitution and if they are illiterate, they do not know that they have to wear condoms when having sex and when they are poor they will do anything and everything for money.
