Approximately 13 million children in South Africa live in poverty, despite an estimated R700 billion annual investment by the government, private sector and NGOs to tackle the problem.
Approximately 13 million children in South Africa live in poverty, despite an estimated R700 billion annual investment by the government, private sector and NGOs to tackle the problem.
According to research by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, government spending on child poverty alleviation programs accounts for approximately 97% of total direct spending on child poverty, but the NGO sector accounts for between 0.05% and 3%. The private sector accounts for less than 1%. , released over the weekend.
NGOs spend between R2 billion and R21 billion on child poverty-related programs, with most of their income coming from the private sector (27%), followed by individuals (14%), foundations and trusts (14%), and governments ( 13%). %). Other donors include the National Lottery (2%).
The study estimates that the direct costs of child poverty are approximately 9% of South Africa's GDP, while the indirect costs or lost economic potential are estimated to be 18% of GDP, or approximately R1.3 trillion.
“Despite spending 10% of GDP on combating child poverty, progress is slow given the continuing challenges children face,” the report said. “These challenges undermine children's development and overall health.”
Studies of the United States, Canada, and members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimate that the direct and indirect costs of poverty are between 3.5% and 5% of their respective GDPs, significantly lower than in South Africa.
The high direct and indirect costs of child poverty are indicative of the country's high poverty rate, inequality and relatively small economy, the study said.
Another problem in South Africa is the murder rate of 5.5 per 100,000 children. This is four times higher than the world's murder rate of 1.6 per 100,000 children. Almost half of all child homicides in South Africa are related to abuse and neglect that occurs at school or at home.
“The determinants of violence in South Africa span past and present, with the legacy of colonialism, apartheid's racially-based social control policies, civil unrest, armed struggle, and the violent repression of social justice movements remaining strong. ” states the report. .
According to the International Monetary Fund's 2020 report, South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, with 20% of the population holding 68% of the wealth.
Responding to inquiries from email and guardianformer Gauteng Children's Parliament member Donald Mkhwanazi said more investment and participation was needed if South Africa was to solve its child poverty crisis.
“[We need to] Promoting backyard gardens, a community-based approach, investing in the education sector, primarily school feeding programmes, and increasing private sector participation in child poverty alleviation. he said.
