Government’s achievements invoke sense of pride
Government has done a lot, especially for the disadvantaged communities in our
country and this gives me a sense of pride to be a South African.
As we celebrate the 20 years of Democracy, it is safe to say that we have come a
long way and we are still going strong. Though much still needs to be done for the
country; we cannot ignore the strides we have made to get this far in such a short
space of time to try and reverse the wrong that was done in 100 years.
South Africa is a better place to live in today than it was before 1994; tremendous
progress has been made in the past 20 years into our democracy. Our government
has come up with ways to curb the spread of HIV and Aids.
The treatment and prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV was expanded
causing the life expectancy to improve from 54, 5 years in 2009 to 60 years in 2012
through government’s interventions.
The Mother to Child Transmission had decreased by 66% in the past five years,
saving the lives of many children. The HIV testing programme has attracted more
than 20 million South Africans.
On the education front, the South African child now receives a better quality of basic
education including pre-primary school education and early childhood development,
our matric results have improved drastically over the years.
The number of enrolments in Further Education and Training (FET) colleges have
increased to 90%, from 345 566 in 2009 to 657 690 in 2012.
With regard to economic growth, unemployment, government is working together
with the private sector to ensure that jobs are created. Government has gone a step
further to ensure that workers’ rights are protected. The workplace is now a safe
place where workers are allowed the freedom of affiliation and representation; we
have trade unions representing our workers. Companies are required by law to take
their workers for training to help develop their skills and knowledge; they work in
healthy environments and are protected from discrimination.
As far as gender equality is concerned, women are no longer regarded and viewed
as lesser beings. Before 1994, women had few legal rights, little access to
education and no right to own property. Many African women were confined to being
domestic workers in mainly white suburbs, leaving families and children in townships
and far away rural areas. Rural women mainly worked as agricultural farm workers
or subsistence household gardeners. Since 1994, remarkable progress has been
made in raising the voice of women through the creation of participatory spaces and
structures.
As far as housing is concerned government's social programmes have improved the
asset base of the poor, in the form of housing with 2.6-million subsidised houses
provided. Government has prioritised female-headed households and they have
received a bigger part of the social wage portion over the years. Also, a number of
people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds have benefited from this
initiative, more houses will be built but it must be noted that there has been
challenges with the roll out of the houses due the large number of in migration.
People must also note that not everybody will get houses at the same time.
Florence Khumalo
210 Vuselela Place
Cnr Bree & Loveday Street
Johannesburg
2001
071 868 1037