explain two ways in which the Covid19 pandemic has exposed the social inustices that mainly exist in the disadvantaged communities in South Africa
Answers
South Africa's economy has taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the majority of the country's population frustrated as the future looks increasingly uncertain.
With the official tally at over 50,000, South Africa has recorded more coronavirus cases than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa. The number of deaths has now surpassed 1,000.
"The situation is unfolding and it's very problematic because the worst is still to come," DW correspondent Adrian Kriesch said from Cape Town, the worst-hit region in South Africa.
"We're seeing an exponential growth of cases in Western Cape at the moment. We will probably reach the peak by the end of this month."
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Coronavirus: South Africa's social divide and economic woes exposed
09.06.2020
The pandemic has unearthed South Africa's stark social and economic differences between rich and poor. Experts say the crisis has worsened the country's ailing economy, as the government flounders to find a solution.
South Africa's economy has taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the majority of the country's population frustrated as the future looks increasingly uncertain.
With the official tally at over 50,000, South Africa has recorded more coronavirus cases than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa. The number of deaths has now surpassed 1,000.
"The situation is unfolding and it's very problematic because the worst is still to come," DW correspondent Adrian Kriesch said from Cape Town, the worst-hit region in South Africa.
"We're seeing an exponential growth of cases in Western Cape at the moment. We will probably reach the peak by the end of this month."
Read more: COVID-19: Lack of regional coordination could lead to more deaths in Africa
Pointing fingers
Some South Africans point to flaws in the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa which has led to the worsening economic situation, while others say Africa's most industrial state was already in a precarious position when the coronavirus crisis began. The latter place the blame on Jacob Zuma, Ramaphosa's scandal-ridden predecessor.
"South Africa was already at the precipice of a fiscal cliff and in an economic recession at the time the country went into lockdown," Jannie Rossouw, a professor at School of Economics and Businesses, Wits University, told DW.
Some South Africans blame the country's economic woes on current President Cyril Ramaphosa (left), while others say the responsibility lies with former President Jacob Zuma (right)
"Naturally, the Zuma administration is to be blamed, and Ramaphosa must share in such blame," Rossouw added.
The country's economic growth over the past five years stood at an average of 1.5%, while the official unemployment rate was at 29%. The country's credit rating was downgraded by major international credit rating agencies, including Moody's and S&P.
The chief executive of Pan-African Investment and Research Services, Iraj Abedian, told DW the coronavirus crisis is a game-changer for South Africa's ailing economy.
"If I were to rephrase Ramaphosa's statement, I would say: COVID-19 dealt a crushing blow to a struggling economy, after a decade of politically orchestrated looting and plunder, that could [barely stand] a mild wind, let alone a hurricane