Poverty as Challenge in South Africa

South Africa as a developing country has a very high poverty line, which means many are under it. With majority of South African citizens living in poverty one may question what exactly sets the standards of the poverty line and what poverty really is. This essay will not only define poverty but will also explain the different dimensions that make the definition of poverty. With so many South Africans suffering from poverty the government has implemented ways to financially assist individuals and communities. As we proceed to read the essay we will find out the advantages of being a South African living in poverty.

What is the definition of poverty? The simplied answer would be the inability and deprivation of basic needs like food, shelter and education and as well as the deprivation of entertainment and luxurious experiences that may result to social exclusion. There are many aspects that determine the poverty line and who belongs below it.

Some of these aspects are:

Poverty as s material aspect.

This definition understands poverty as a lack of material goods and services. (Spicker 2007:230) Failing to gain access to goods and services you may need or want, regardless of if they are basic needs or wants, does classify one as below the poverty line.

A pattern of deprivation.

Poverty generally refers not just to deprivation, but to deprivation experienced over a period of time. (Spicker 1993)

Limited resources.

The inability to gain access to the things you may want or need. This may be caused by the lack of income, the lack of resources, or the lack of wealth.

Inequality.

People may be below the poverty line if compared to others in society they seem to be living off a smaller income which means they have some inability to afford as much as others.

Social exclusion.

The inability to relate to people by wealth, the brands they wear, and the entertainment they are interested in may result in social exclusion.

To assist majority of South Africans who suffer from poverty, the government have implemented financial programmes that would give assistance to those who deserve it. The financial challenge South Africa faces today is caused by the economic exclusion people of colour in South Africa faced in the past. These programmes are an attempt by the government to involve everyone regardless of colour and to give them a just-as-fair opportunity to play part of the economy. The government does this by supplying Old Age Grant to civilians older than 60 years of age, Disability Grant to civilians who suffer from disabilities that prevent them from finding employment, Child Support Grant for children who are deprived of financial support, and Foster Child Grant for children who are separated from their birth parents, Care Dependency Grant for children that need permanent care and support due to physical disability, Grant of Aid for adults that need permanent care and support due to physical disability, and War Veterans’ Grant for veterans of the two world wars. These grants are given to civilians every month. This financial support assists many households living in poverty. It is safe to say the government’s attempt to include people of colour in the economy is successful so far.

In conclusion, to give poverty a single definition would be disregarding the other aspects that make the standards of poverty. Poverty as a material aspect, social exclusion, inequality, limited resources, and a pattern of deprivation are some of the aspects that define the word poverty. The government’s efforts to include the poor in the economy by providing social grants makes being a South African living in poverty a lot easier as they are given financial means to access basic needs.