South Africa's deepening malaise

On the face of it Archbishop Tutu's comments warning of a growing danger of ethnic divisions in South Africa and saying the African reverence for life have been lost seem odd.

South Africa is at peace, and enjoying the longest period of growth in many years.

Unemployment has just fallen by more than half a million, to a six-year low.

And opinion polls show that most people are still optimistic about their country.

But just below the surface there seems to be a deep malaise.

Division

Referring to the accusations of corruption that have been made about a number of South Africa's political leaders, Archbishop Tutu said: "They have shown that they are human. We all have been afflicted by original sin."

These problems have highlighted divisions within the alliance led by the African National Congress which is now in real trouble.

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"There is a very low sense of moral self esteem in South Africa today. It is really shameful"
David Amana, Cape Town

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The trade union congress this month practically booed the deputy president, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, off the stage.

Its delegates sang songs describing President Thabo Mbeki as a "dog". So what's gone wrong?

At the heart of the problem is that President Mbeki has led his country down a road many are now questioning.

Left

The left and the trade unions call for large-scale nationalisation and socialism.

But the government is locked into policies that favour business and globalisation.

Many believe not enough has been achieved for the poor since the end of apartheid, and are no longer prepared to sit in silence.

As the president's own brother, Moeletsi Mbeki put it, the governing alliance is now like a married couple on the brink of divorce.

Right

If this is the perspective of the left in the black community, then the feelings of whites and many coloured people and Indians is equally bitter, but for different reasons.

The sky-high murder rate has convinced many they are not even safe when they shelter behind high walls and razor wire, even though crime rates are falling.

And their sons and daughters, many of whom were not even born when apartheid was in place, now cannot find jobs because affirmative action reserves them for blacks.

A fifth of the white population has left in the past 10 years, taking their skills and much of their wealth with them.

So while the sun still shines on South Africa's overall performance, there is a good deal for all sections of society to be fed up about. And the grumbling is getting louder.

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