'Poverty is getting worse' says South African official

from the Independent On Line

By Nathi Olifant

Poverty levels in South Africa had worsened in the past 10 years, with more people poorer now than then.

This was according to Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane, speaking during the KwaZulu-Natal round of national poverty hearings held at the Edendale Lay Ecumenical Centre, in Pietermaritzburg, on Tuesday.

Ndungane heads a team of commissioners that includes representatives from the South African Human Rights Commission and faith-based organisations.

"It's across-the-board. I have noted with deep pain that almost all the provinces are facing similar challenges as far as poverty is concerned," said Ndungane.

"The situation is worse than it was 10 years ago and is worsening. There is a deep measure of hopelessness, anger and desperation, and this is very serious."

Ndungane said the team had also noted shifting trends poverty prevalence. "When we first started these poverty hearings 10 years ago, we noted that poverty was more prevalent among older people. However, owing to, I suppose, economic reasons, it is the young people that are facing more poverty.

"Young people are in deep pain. It's so serious that urgent interventions are needed."

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