South Africa

Johannah Mooki volunteers for a home-based care programme for children affected by HIV and AIDS [Simon Rawles]

HIV and violence dog development in South Africa, where high levels of poverty remain a challenge.

In 1994, after a long struggle to end the oppression of apartheid, a democratically elected government took power under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

Yet the legacy of apartheid is a major constraint to development, as is the government’s continued inability to deliver on many of its promises, such as job creation, land reform, and provision of care and treatment for those affected and infected by HIV.

Key challenges include:

HIV/AIDS:South Africa has one of the fastest-growing AIDS epidemics in the world, with an estimated 5 million people already HIV-positive. In KwaZulu/Natal province 36 per cent of the population is affected. HIV/AIDS is undermining South Africa’s efforts to rebuild communities after apartheid.

Economic justice and advocacy: Communities need to participate in democratic processes, express their own needs at both local and national levels, be able to criticise government policies openly and to develop international trading relationships that benefit the poorest people.

Violence (mainly against women and girls) is widespread in South Africa. This is a gross violation of women's human rights, causing much suffering. It also exacerbates the spread of HIV.

section highlights

Raising the voice of the poor

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference focuses on raising the voice of the poor, on key issues such as HIV and AIDS, debt and trade justice.

Support and training for HIV/AIDS affected people

The Kwa-Zulu Natal Provincial Inter-diocesan HIV/AIDS Programme brings together Catholic partners throughout KwaZulu/Natal to provide training and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Uniting through common values

PACSA has learned that nation building in South Africa is about more than simply democracy – equality and respect for others are crucial to fostering a sense of belonging

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