mpho putu's blog

Across South Africa - from Kliptown, Khayalitsha, Sekhukhune, Springbok, Mthatha, De Aar, to the Kakamas - we’ve wondered why some communities are reasonably effective at making changes while others, perhaps not that different, are not. Why are some communities better able to manage their problems and others not? Most communities in South Africa - of every size and shape - face similar problems, such as high levels of poverty, unemployment, HIV and AIDS, poor service delivery, growing numbers of informal settlements and large numbers of immigrants.

The murder of Eugene Terre’Blanche has unleashed mixed reactions across South Africa. Terre’Blanche, the founder of the racist Afrikaaner Resistance Movement was brutally killed on Saturday, 4 April, allegedly by two farm workers over a wage dispute. Many now fear that his death will reignite underlying racial tension in South Africa. His death raises questions whether the country ever healed from its past? Have we really dealt with our past?

South Africa celebrated 16th years of democracy this year. Momentous changes have occurred since the end of apartheid and the democratic elections of 1994. The feelings of optimism about the promise of democracy and a new system are prevalent throughout the country but there are also deep concerns and problems. An unemployment rate of 40%, HIV/AIDS, high infant mortality rate, low life expectancy, and high levels of criminal activity continue to plague the country.