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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Twice as Many South Africans Now Subsisting on $1 a Day

Poverty skyrockets in land of HIV and no jobs

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(Newser) – The number of South Africans living on less than $1 a day has more than doubled in a decade since shortly after the end of apartheid, reports the BBC. Some 4.2 million people managed to eke out a living on a daily buck in 2005, according to a report of the latest statistics by the South African Institute of Race Relations. Officials attribute the upsurge in poverty to raging unemployment—as high as 26%—and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

"Poverty is something we are likely to see for many generations," warned an author of the report. Poverty will be a key focus of next month's African National Congress as members choose a possible successor to President Thabo Mbeki. Unions are already backing former deputy president Jacob Zuma, who has  criticized Mbeki for not doing enough to fight poverty.

For the increasing poor both black and white in South Africa, institutions like the Salvation Army are having to feed the growing numbers of unemployed.
For the increasing poor both black and white in South Africa, institutions like the Salvation Army are having to feed the growing numbers of unemployed.   (Magnum Photos)
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is seen as one of the primary causes behind South Africa's staggering poverty level.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is seen as one of the primary causes behind South Africa's staggering poverty level.   (KRT Photos)
Two men sleep as others attend a hip-hop concert, rear, at Joubert Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday Oct. 17, 2007. The concert was organized by the
Two men sleep as others attend a hip-hop concert, rear, at Joubert Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday Oct. 17, 2007. The concert was organized by the "Stand Up, Speak Out" organization, as part...   (Associated Press)
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Actress Emma Thompson visits with HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa.   (ActionAidUK (YouTube))

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