Twenty-three years after democracy, SA is in many ways a different country. The curse of racial segregation and underdevelopment of the majority has been lifted. The Constitution guarantees freedom, human dignity and democracy for all. Over the same period, millions more South Africans have gained access to basic services — housing, health, water, sanitation, electricity and a social security for children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups. After apartheid’s last two decades of declining per capita income, GDP growth since democracy has averaged about 3.3%, above the population growth rate. We have a robust political system, a free media and social capital in community institutions and civil society. These are foundations for an SA that belongs to all. At the same time, 23 years later, there are more people on social grants than are employed. More than two-thirds of children who start Grade 1 fail to complete school or gain their matric certificates, let alone matric exemption...

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