THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA
Since the end of Apartheid and after 14 years of democracy- South Africa is a changed nation. The South African constitution is regarded as one of the most liberal democratic constitutions in the world, and the country has experienced significant socio-political changes that have opened the country up to the world. Moreover, in the last decade the South African economy has experienced incredible economic growth and development.
However, despite the country’s development and the dramatic changes that have occurred – so many people in South Africa still suffer from the inequalities and injustices of Apartheid and its legacy. Poverty is widespread, and access to basic services such as water, sanitation and healthcare is hugely restricted. South Africa’s unemployment rate stands at approximately 25%, and the country’s crime rate ranks South Africa as one of the more dangerous countries in the world. However, probably one of the most alarming facts about South Africa today -is that at least 30% of the population is believed to be infected with HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS/ WHO , by the end of 2007 South Africa had the largest number of people living with HIV in the world , with at least 5.7 million people living with HIV , including 3.2 million women and 280,000 children (ages 0-14).
Over the past 19 years, The Bishop Simeon Trust has evolved and adapted to the state of South Africa today and the needs of South Africans today. The charity has thus broadened its focus to support a range of projects that aim to encourage sustainable development and real change for the hundreds of thousands of South Africans in need of care, support and education.
For news updates from South African newspapers please see:
The Mail and Guardian
http://www.mg.co.za/
The Star (Johannesburg)
http://www.thestar.co.za/
The City Press (Johannesburg)
http://www.news24.com/City_Press/Home/
The Financial Mail Online
http://free.financialmail.co.za/
The Times
www.thetimes.co.za
Information on South Africa
The South African Department of Health
The South African Department of Social Development
The South African Department of Education
Avert – NGO dedicated to averting HIV and AIDS
http://www.avert.org/aidssouthafrica.htm
South Africa info – A gateway to the nation
South African tourism