Since the free and fair elections in 1994, South Africa has set out to abolish apartheid and to create a democratic society based on equity, non-racism and non-sexism, thus dramatically improving the quality of lives for all South Africans.

Social Income Grants

The democratic South African government provides social income grants to pensioners, poor families with children, war veterans, foster care and families taking care of children and people in need.

Beneficiaries of social grants increased from 2.6 million in 1994 to more than 10 million in Golden Year 2 (2005). By September 2005, approximately R6.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) was allocated for the more than 6.2 million children who were receiving assistance through child support and foster care grants. An additional R19 billion (US$ 3 billion) was allocated to assist children under the age of 14 years.

Increased Work Opportunities

The South African government has also launched an Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) that creates employment for its citizens. The EPWP provides on-the-job training to participants so that they will be better equipped to find permanent employment afterwards.

By September 2005, the first year of the EPWP’s operation, some 223,400 work opportunities had been created from 300 to 400 projects nationwide, yielding at least R823 million (US$ 131 million) in total wages paid. Of those who benefited from these projects in the first year of the program, over 75% were women and youth.

Housing to Help the Poor

The South African government has introduced a housing plan that provides subsidies for poor people. The truly poor will receive a full subsidy of R28,000 (US$ 4,452). Low-income and even middle-income level citizens will also receive some assistance.
Between 1994 and 2005, over 2.5 million subsidies were approved for an expenditure of nearly R45 billion (US$7.2 billion), benefiting more than 7 million people.

Supplying Water and Electricity

Through the positive democratic government, water and electricity in South Africa has been extended to more households than ever before. By March 2005, 44.5 million people had access to an improved water supply. Basic water infrastructure had been supplied to 15 million people. Over 30 million South Africans (66.3%) had access to free basic water. Basic sanitation infrastructure had been provided to over 8.2 million people. It was estimated that by 2008, the entire water supply backlog will have been eradicated and by 2010, so will that of sanitation.

Around 64 percent of councils provide free basic electricity, reaching about half of the population, with 3.5 million homes gaining access to electricity since 1994. This translates into a conversion of over 435,000 homes per year on average. By May 2005, access to electricity was estimated at 71%.

Better Healthcare

In the years between 1994 and 2005, the government of South Africa upgraded and built over 1,300 new medical clinics. Four hospitals were revitalized in Golden Year 1 (2004) and over 37 more are in the final stages of completion. Moreover, free healthcare is being provided by the government for pregnant and new mothers as well as children under 6 years of age, and all public health services are available for everyone in the public health system. The government also introduced a National Food Emergency Scheme in 2004, which has benefited a total of 245,000 people.

Agricultural starter packs to the value of R31 million (US$ 4.9 million) have been delivered to some 18,575 households in all provinces as a way to encourage the development of sustainable food gardens. A number of schools participating in the National School Nutrition Program have established vegetable gardens to enrich the nutritional value of the meals served in schools.

The South African government has also instituted a comprehensive plan for the management, care and treatment of HIV and AIDS, in order to prevent the spread of HIV infection and to improve the lives of those infected with HIV or AIDS. The expenditure to fund this plan increased to R3.6 billion (US$ 572 million) in 2005.

By September 2005, there were 178 service sites throughout the 53 main districts and in about 60% of the sub-districts, with some 6,200 patients enrolled for antiretroviral treatment. Services provided to children infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS include the provision of food parcels and clothing, counseling, support, day care and after school/drop-in centers, placement in foster and/or residential care and addressing their education and health needs.

More Stringent Tobacco Control

It is estimated that about 25,000 South Africans die each year from tobacco-related diseases. South Africa is a co-signatory with 74 other countries of the World Health Organization (WHO’s) International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which commits governments worldwide to take measures to reduce tobacco use. Therefore, the South African government passed a law banning all advertising for tobacco products. Also, all public places must be smoke-free. Employers and restaurateurs can set aside 25% of their space for smokers, but they must be separated by a solid partition. Also, a fine of R10,000 (US$ 1,590) will be imposed for those caught selling or giving cigarettes to children.

Firearms Amnesty

To deal with the problem of illegal firearm possession, the South African government introduced an amnesty between January and June 2005 and called on people to voluntarily hand their guns to the South African Police Service (SAPS) without facing prosecution for the offence. During this period many tens of thousands of firearms and rounds of ammunition were handed over, and more than 14,000 firearms were destroyed.

In accordance with the new South Africa, since 1995 the National Defense Force has implemented a voluntary part-time system to reflect democracy and freedom of choice. Citizens thus can serve the security needs of their communities and their country because they choose rather than being forced to do so.

Prioritizing Human Rights

Democratic South Africa is seeking to promote respect for human rights, democracy and good governance. In particular, the government has given high priority to the rights of women, children and the disabled.

Over the past decade, South Africa has made a number of interventions that have contributed to peace and has assisted in various humanitarian and relief operations. The government also continues to mediate conflict among the warring factions in the Côte d’Ivoire. South African peace initiatives have seen the adoption of a constitution in the DRC while two largely peaceful and successful elections were held in Burundi.

In 2002, a new South African law was passed that promotes and protects the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities. Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the new Constitution with an official policy of non-interference in religious practices.

After what is now ten years of democracy, we can see that the South African government is trying its best to contribute to a brighter society for all its citizens. We initiates hope, pray and meditate so that the government may continue to contribute positively to an even brighter future for all..