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http://cdn.radionetherlands.nl/data/files/imagecache/must_carry/images/lead/AIDS-Campaign.jpg http://southafrica-for-dummies.com/image-files/aids-in-southafrica-grafiti.jpg http://www.globalenvision.org/files/capetown.jpg http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1239/1366411450_e561847734_o.jpg http://www.justassociates.org/images/gay-rights-march-soweto-reuters.jpg http://blogs.cfr.org/coleman/files/2012/05/zimbabwe-woman-farmer-genetically-modified-agriculture-subsistence-corn.jpg
South Africa's biggest problem is HIV and AIDS. 5.7 million people in South Afica have HIV or AIDs and there are 1 million orphaned children by AIDs related illnesses. This affects the economy, education and politics. The emergence of new drug resistant strains of Tuberculosus (which is contracted easily by thoose with compromised immune systems) has hightened mortality rates. Altough South Africa has the worls largest antiretroviral therepy program, it only serviced 28% of the countrys population. Government positions on HIV and AIDS are the most visible source of the political outcry. The former President, Mbeki, publically expressed doubt that HIV causes AIDS and the Health Minister, Tshabalala, argued that AIDS patients should explore using herbal remedies (lemon juice, garlic, and beets) in place of antiretrovirus drugs developed in the west. The Deputy Health Minister, Madlala-Routlege, was fired for attending an AIDS conference in Spain. The new Health Minister, Hogan, believes HIV causes AIDS and antiretroviral drugs are the best treatment. The current Health Minister, Motsoal, is working to treat 80% of the infected population by 2012 and has increased funding for treatment and prevention. Another major problem for South Africa is refugees. There are 10,772 refugees from D. R.C, 7,818 from Somalia, 5,759 from Angola, which makes a total of 24,349 refugees. Gay rights and genetically modified crops are alos issues for South Africa. The debate with genetically modified crops is whether they benefit farmers or pose a risk and has caused an intense debate. 75% of cotton, 25% of soy, and 20% of corn are genetically modified. These crops pose a financial risk and the high cots may out weigh the benefits of pest resistance and high yielding crops. Another risk is that a farmers investment can easily be lost with a drought of flood that kills the crops. The usage of genetically modified crops also forces a dependent relationship with western companies and causes a western monopoly.
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