- The bottom 50% of South Africans are currently economically worse off than they were at the end of apartheid (1994).
- South Africa’s commodity-driven economy has stalled since 2008, eliminating jobs in labour-intensive sectors (eg mining).
- Lack of jobs has pushed 1/3 of South Africa’s population (18 million) onto welfare rolls.
- The slowing economy and rampant corruption have also forced the government to cut welfare and pension payments.
- South Africa leads in global economic inequality (richest 3,500 South Africans worth more than poorest 27 million).
