Current State of South Africa

· After nearly thirty years in prison on trumped up charges, Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990. Mandela was the voice of the oppressed black Africans during the 40s, 50s and 60s. His stint in prison and refusal to back down from his fervent anti-apartheid stance strengthened and supported the hopes of the oppressed. Working with then-president F.W. de Klerk, Mandela helped bring an end to apartheid. South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994. Following the presidential election of Nelson Mandela, there occurred a shift from white- to black-dominated government. Unfortunately, this change has given rise to serious problems. This shift of governmental power has not yet resulted in significant lifestyle changes for most blacks in the country. The white population still primarily controls the economy. Affirmative action programs have not yet positively impacted the average black person. According to recent statistics, unemployment among the black population is 45% nationwide. The national crime rate is up with blacks being the most common victims. These statistics seem as if South Africa has not made any significant changes under this new "democratic government."