Spiralling unemployment, reduced life expectancy among black people and low pass rates at black schools are some of the reasons more national resources should be state-run, says Professor Christopher Malikane, Cosatu's head of policy. He was presenting the trade union federation's document, ‘Growth path to Economic Transformation’, at a summer camp co-hosted by university's Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation last week. His was one of several presentations intended to stimulate critical dialogue about transformation in South Africa.
Spiralling unemployment, reduced life expectancy among black people and low pass rates at black schools are some of the reasons more national resources should be state-run, says Professor Christopher Malikane, Cosatu's head of policy. He was presenting the trade union federation's document, ‘Growth path to Economic Transformation’, at a summer camp co-hosted by university's Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation last week. His was one of several presentations intended to stimulate critical dialogue about transformation in South Africa.
“Things are moving in the wrong direction,” said Malikane, quoting statistics showing an estimated decline in unemployment from 1994 to 2004 from 52.9% to 48%, despite the fact that 1.9 million jobs had been created during that period.
The Health profile offered no solace either, stating that average life expectancy for black people had dropped from 62 years to 49.
The rate of unemployment among youth was also rising steadily, with many children dropping out of school due to domestic circumstances, or a lack of a proper learning environment. The pass rate of Grade 12 pupils in schools in largely black demographic areas was 44%, whereas historically white schools had a 79% pass rate.
Outlining South Africa's neo-liberal policies over the past 16 years, he spoke about colonial dominance of both resources and businesses. Most of South Africa’s economy was privately run, he said, with only a few major companies, such as Sasol, and the mines calling the shots.
He said in order for the benefits to return to the people of South Africa, more resources should be state-run.
For South Africa to reach economic stability, changes had to be made. Redistributing resources and developing local industry would promote more job-opportunities, along with new technology. An emphasis on research would allow the state to find new ways to facilitate development within South Africa.
As a programme of the Institute for Social and Economic Research, the summer camp aims to identify the problems hindering the transformation and development of South Africa, both economically and socially.
The Rosa Luxemburg foundation is a funding agency for economic and social research within South Africa. The institute is working with them on a four year contract according to its Director, Professor Robbie van Niekerk.
Rhodes University's Institute for Social and Economic Research examines social and economic problems within South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape. It aims to promote the region's social and economic transformation, through the areas of health, education and other basic social services, through critical analysis and dialogue.
