In the grip of Inequality

Martin Plaut's article 'Behind the Marikana Massacre' a behind the scenes look at the reasons behind the clash that left 34 miners dead, shot by security forces, is put in perspective. The strike by platinum miners in Marikana South Africa which led to this tragedy reflects what is widely recognised as the increasing disconnect of the ordinary man, woman and child on the streets, from the wealth and with it the greatly improved standard of living, which seems to be the exclusive reserve of the priviledged and well connected these days. Martin Plaut ends his article by declaring that "South Africa is not a country at peace with Its people". How is this so, one might ask? Inequality is perhaps at the root of the answer. The South African leadership should take note that Inequality in South Africa like anywhere else in the world, impacts negatively on social cohesion. The fuel that feeds inequality is greed, its path smoothed by an indolent leadership that fails to pay attention to the wellbeing of its people.