The problems
There are an endless number of key issues surrounding poverty in South Africa. A few examples of these are:
1. Access to food
Money is extremely scarce to those living in the 'shacks' of South Africa and as a result of this, many are unable to provide food for their families. Growing their own produce would be an 'easy fix' to this, however, it's easier said than done. I recently visited South Africa and something that 'stuck out' to me was the lack of space. These shacks were built so close together, that it was hard for two people to walk together through them. There was not much space to move, let alone grow crops.
2. Access to shelter
Also as a result of the lack of money, shelter isn't seen as a right in South Africa, for some, rather, it's seen as a luxury. What are known as 'shacks' in South Africa are literally just pieces of wood nailed together, on very unsteady ground, with material cloths for roofs. These shacks have virtually no structure and are built on uneven ground.
3. Access to safe, clean, drinking water
Access to water for us in first-world countries and many people in South Africa is taken for granted. However, for many others in South Africa, clean, safe, drinking water isn't so easy to come across. At the top of the shacks is a tap, that supplies almost completely unfiltered water. Keep in mind that this one tap is used by the 250 people living there. The water isn't cooled, so if the weather is warm, the water is warm, and if the weather is cold, so is the water.
4. Access to education
A proper education, like anywhere else in the world, costs money; something those who are less fortunate clearly are unable to obtain. There are few government funded schools and these only have limited spaces. The spaces fill up very fast and many people are not accepted into the schools. Also, women usually aren't very fortunate in regards to schooling and education. Men are the 'first in line' to receive and education. This is mainly because men are the more dominant gender and are supposed to be the 'bread winners' of the family and an education is the first step.
5. Access to employment
Because of the lack of education, many are unable to find steady jobs. This means that little if any money is earned. Without money, food, water, shelter and education (for the next generation) are therefore very, very difficult to receive.
1. Access to food
Money is extremely scarce to those living in the 'shacks' of South Africa and as a result of this, many are unable to provide food for their families. Growing their own produce would be an 'easy fix' to this, however, it's easier said than done. I recently visited South Africa and something that 'stuck out' to me was the lack of space. These shacks were built so close together, that it was hard for two people to walk together through them. There was not much space to move, let alone grow crops.
2. Access to shelter
Also as a result of the lack of money, shelter isn't seen as a right in South Africa, for some, rather, it's seen as a luxury. What are known as 'shacks' in South Africa are literally just pieces of wood nailed together, on very unsteady ground, with material cloths for roofs. These shacks have virtually no structure and are built on uneven ground.
3. Access to safe, clean, drinking water
Access to water for us in first-world countries and many people in South Africa is taken for granted. However, for many others in South Africa, clean, safe, drinking water isn't so easy to come across. At the top of the shacks is a tap, that supplies almost completely unfiltered water. Keep in mind that this one tap is used by the 250 people living there. The water isn't cooled, so if the weather is warm, the water is warm, and if the weather is cold, so is the water.
4. Access to education
A proper education, like anywhere else in the world, costs money; something those who are less fortunate clearly are unable to obtain. There are few government funded schools and these only have limited spaces. The spaces fill up very fast and many people are not accepted into the schools. Also, women usually aren't very fortunate in regards to schooling and education. Men are the 'first in line' to receive and education. This is mainly because men are the more dominant gender and are supposed to be the 'bread winners' of the family and an education is the first step.
5. Access to employment
Because of the lack of education, many are unable to find steady jobs. This means that little if any money is earned. Without money, food, water, shelter and education (for the next generation) are therefore very, very difficult to receive.