Life as a South African

According to our local tour guide, Linda Leung, South Africa has a population of about 52 million people. Of this, approximately 78% are black Africans and 12% are white. While the official unemployment rate is quoted at just over 20%, Linda suggested that the actual figure is much higher, closer to 43%.

The effects of poverty are evident as one travels across the country. Along the highways, and especially at busy traffic junctions, many black South Africans can be seen trying to make a living by selling various items. Most of these are handmade crafts - beaded ornaments, woven baskets, or small carved wooden figures - each reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the region. Others take on more unconventional roles, acting as walking advertisements by promoting products or holding placards to publicize upcoming events.

The making and marketing of handicrafts is a significant industry in South Africa, providing both livelihood and cultural expression. South Africans, particularly within black communities, are renowned for their creativity and artistic talent.

Many black South Africans have undoubtedly benefited under the leadership of Nelson Mandela and the subsequent black-led governments. One of the most visible achievements has been the construction of thousands of houses, many of which were provided free of charge to black families who had previously lived in poverty or informal settlements.

Ironically, Malaysia’s New Economic Policy (NEP) was adapted in South Africa in the form of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program. Under this policy, companies are required to employ a certain quota of black workers, and at least 25% of a firm’s shares must be reserved for black ownership. While the intent is noble - helping historically disadvantaged communities gain access to wealth and opportunity - such measures raise important questions about long-term sustainability. Policies that redistribute wealth without equally emphasizing merit, productivity, and innovation risk creating dependency rather than empowerment. If continued indefinitely without a clear sunset clause, such initiatives could inadvertently weaken the very communities they are meant to uplift, fostering reliance on state intervention rather than self-sufficiency.

Zimbabwe offers a sobering example. Once a prosperous nation, it collapsed under poorly managed redistribution policies. Today, its currency is virtually worthless - at one point, a staggering 10,000 Zimbabwean dollars could not even buy a loaf of bread. In such cases, while the policies were designed to address inequality, the ultimate victims are often the very people they sought to help.

Comically, in such an economy, one could easily become a “trillionaire,” yet still struggle to afford the basics of daily life.