Exploring the challenges facing post-apartheid South Africa, the rise of small Texas towns as patent-law centers, and a tribute to Eleanor Coppola's behind-the-scenes work on 'Apocalypse Now'.
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Quick takeaways
Disillusionment with democracy in South Africa stems from economic hardships, impacting trust in the system.
Economic disparities persist in South Africa, with challenges faced by the black middle class.
Deep dives
Challenges Facing the Democracy
South Africa, despite significant progress post-apartheid, is experiencing challenges as many feel locked out of the democratic era. Disillusionment with democracy stems from economic hardships, with polls showing pessimism regarding future improvements. Unemployment rates have risen, infrastructure issues persist, and younger generations face high unemployment levels, impacting their trust in the system.
Economic Struggles and Discontent
The economic situation in South Africa presents a tale of two eras, with the initial post-apartheid period marked by improvements while the last 15 years show stagnation and even regression. GDP per capita remains stagnant, unemployment rates have soared, and essential services like water and electricity face challenges, leading to growing frustration and disillusionment among the population.
Rising Middle Class and Economic Divide
While there has been a rise in the black middle class in South Africa, economic disparities persist. The black middle class faces challenges like the 'black tax' and limited opportunities compared to their white counterparts. There is a growing discontent with policies favoring black economic empowerment, reflecting a divide in perspectives on economic exclusion between black and white South Africans.
Thirty years of democracy have not led to uniform prosperity, and nearly everyone disagrees about the equality of opportunity. How will the disenchantment manifest at the polls? How two small Texas towns became the patent-law centre of America (12:16). And a tribute to Eleanor Coppola, mastermind of the award-winning behind-the-scenes look at her husband’s epic, “Apocalypse Now” (19:26).
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