mzolo_msawenkosi

07/10/2024

We just mere members of uMkhonto Wesizwe Party!

22/05/2024

29/01/2024

The shortage of doctors in South Africa is a growing concern. According to the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu), over 400 doctors who have completed their community service are facing unemployment since 2023. The Department of Health has cited budget constraints as the reason for not being able to place these doctors in the public sector. This is a national problem that needs to be addressed. The government hospitals are already understaffed, and the situation will only worsen if the doctors are not employed. The doctors have completed their studies, internships, and community service, and it is the responsibility of the Department of Health to place them in the public sector. The doctors are willing to work in the public sector, and it is essential to absorb them to ease the pressure on the government hospitals. The South African government should take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the doctors are employed in the public sector. The doctors are an essential part of the healthcare system, and their services are needed to provide quality healthcare to the people of South Africa.

National Department of Health (South Africa)

14/01/2024

South Africa suffers among the highest levels of inequality in the world when measured by the commonly used Gini index. Inequality manifests itself through a skewed income distribution, unequal access to opportunities, and regional disparities. Low growth and rising unemployment have contributed to the persistence of inequality. The South African government has used different tools to tackle the stubborn levels of inequality that have plagued the country, including through progressive fiscal redistribution. Efforts to reduce inequality have focused on higher social spending, targeted government transfers, and affirmative action to diversify wealth ownership and promote entrepreneurship among the previously marginalized. These measures need to be complemented with reforms that promote private investment, jobs, and inclusive growth.

Here are six charts that tell the story of South Africa's inequality:

- Inequality has remained stubbornly high. South Africa started the 1990s with already elevated inequality as the policy of apartheid excluded a large swath of the population from economic opportunities. South Africa’s Gini—an index that measures inequality—has increased further in the early 2000s and has remained high ever since. Meanwhile, its peers have been able to make inroads in reducing inequality.

- Income distribution remains highly skewed. The top 20 percent of the population holds over 68 percent of income (compared to a median of 47 percent for similar emerging markets). The bottom 40 percent of the population holds 7 percent of income (compared to 16 percent for other emerging markets). Similar trends can be observed across other measures, such as the income share of the top 1 percent.

- Significant disparities remain across regions. Income per capita in Gauteng—the main economic province that comprises large cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria—is almost twice the levels as that found in the mostly rural provinces like Limpopo and Eastern Cape. Being close to the economic centers increases job and income prospects.

- Subdued growth has jeopardized efforts to promote inclusion. With growth stagnating over the past decade, the economy has not created enough jobs to absorb the unemployed and new entrants to the labor market. Broad-based growth that generates more low-skilled jobs for the unemployed will support inequality reduction.

- High unemployment is a major factor behind the inequality levels. South Africa's unemployment rate is significantly higher than in other emerging markets, with youth unemployment exceeding 50 percent. Creating more low-skilled jobs to improve labor force participation, especially in the poorest provinces, will spur inclusion.

- The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how fractured South Africa’s democracy is, and just how unequal we are as a society. The biggest ticking timebomb we have in this country is inequality.

13/01/2024

The South African Constitution is the supreme law of the country and has been amended 17 times since it came into force in 1996. The process of amending the Constitution is more difficult than passing or amending ordinary laws, as it requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly and the support of at least six of the nine provincial delegations in the National Council of Provinces.

The benefits of amending the South African Constitution are numerous. For instance, amending the Constitution can help to address historic wrongs caused by the arbitrary dispossession of land and ensure equitable access to land. It can also empower the majority of South Africans to be productive participants in ownership, food security, and agricultural reform programs. Furthermore, amending the Constitution can provide a framework for the government to address the needs of the people and promote social justice.

However, it is important to note that amending the Constitution is a complex process that requires careful consideration and consultation with all stakeholders. Any proposed amendments must be in line with the principles of the Constitution and should not undermine the rights and freedoms of the people.

10/01/2024

The exclusion of young people from politics is a growing concern in South Africa. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg, young South Africans place socio-economic well-being above democratic rights. The study found that 58% of youth in South Africa view meeting their basic needs (such as finding jobs, income, housing) as more important than voting, and having access to courts, freedom of speech and expression. Only 27% of the young respondents believed democratic rights were more important.

There are several reasons why young South Africans are losing interest in politics. These include a lack of representation, corruption, limited opportunities, disillusionment with political parties, lack of trust, ineffective policies, political apathy, lack of information, socio-economic factors, and negative perception.

It is crucial to address the concerns of young people and encourage their participation in politics. The political empowerment of the youth is crucial for social and economic development. However, systemic exclusion of the youth from political affairs and the behavior of young people in contemporary Africa have resulted in ‘non-political’ activism today, which has serious consequences.

In conclusion, it is important for politicians to recognize the concerns of young people and work towards creating a more inclusive political environment that addresses their needs and aspirations.