South Africa Introduction
...while for the most part maintaining political and economic stability. Basic democratic rights of free speech and press continue to flourish. Under the leadership of Thabo Mbeki (since 1999), the government is slowly expanding its network of public services for the benefit of the country’s disadvantaged people. Achievements have however been steady and gradual rather than sweeping and spectacular. The governments Growth, Employment and Redistribution programme was formulated to drive down inflation, encourage foreign investment, cut the national deficit, and reduce poverty by relaxing restrictive labour laws and accelerating privatization. The trade balance has been positive and short-term debt is down. The narrow focus on the needs of the business and economic sector may be contributing to relative economic stability, but it is also blamed for reducing essential social servi...