SA's euphoria slowly fading

Thirty years into democracy, having produced a progressive, world-acclaimed constitution, we enjoy freedom of the press, speech, association, assembly and a right to vote.

- Brian Sokutu

But the euphoria of the rosy story of the South African political liberation is slowly fading – especially for the 16.5 million not economically active population, the army of unemployed youth and those going to bed without a plate of food.

To them, the hope for a better future is gone.

About 55.5%, accounting for 30.3 million people of the population, are living in poverty at the national upper poverty line, while 25% – a total of 13.8 million – experience food poverty.

These are surely frightening statistics for mineral-rich South Africa.

The Northern Cape alone produces 95% of South Africa's diamonds and 97.6% of its alluvial diamonds.

Other minerals found include manganese – the province contains over 80% of the world's manganese resources and produces almost all of South Africa's manganese.

Iron ore, copper, zinc and sugilite are other minerals found in the Northern Cape.

Limpopo and the North West are endowed with platinum group metals, while Mpumalanga has coal.