Vavi: Capitalism the real enemy

Issues such as xenophobia, corruption, gender-based violence, and substance abuse are rooted in economic misery, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says.

• Vavi slams banks, monopolies
• Vavi blames bosses for wildcat strikes
• Vavi: Lula an inspiration to SA

Zimbabweans living in poverty - study

Official figures show the average person in Zimbabwe lives on US$1.16 per day, less than the World Bank benchmark for extreme poverty of under $1.25 per day.

• Mixed feelings over R900m Zim loan
• Zim struggles in world rankings
• Zim missed out on boom - World Bank

Do more with boom, UN tells Mozambique

Mozambique is set to be Africa's fastest growing economy this year, but the UN has urged the government to do more with the country's natural resource boom.

• Moz approves draft of new oil law
• Statoil sells Mozambique stake
• Mozambique to tax capital gains

South Africa's 'hidden hunger'

As food prices increase, South Africans find it exceedingly difficult to afford healthy nutrient-rich foods.

• Nutrition basics in a nutshell
• 6 steps to increase iron absorption
• Fruit & veggies: super foods

Welfare cuts hit the hungry in Hungary

With cuts to social spending and laws that target the homeless, austerity measures in Hungary are hitting people already living in poverty the hardest.

• 'Gypsy animals' remark causes uproar
• Political will holds off EU privatisation
• Clegg warns of uncertainty over Europe

Cameroon's economy grows 5%

Cameroon's economy grew by about 5% last year, but under-investment in social safety nets contributed to worsening poverty, the World Bank says.

• Cameroon jails ex-minister for jet graft
• Nigeria president wants land back
• Cameroon: Missing Olympians 'threatened'
• 7 Cameroon Olympians reported missing
• Foreigners target Cameroon elephants
• Cameroon's Biya marks 30 years in power

4 in 10 Cape Town households go hungry

A survey has revealed that four out of 10 households in Cape Town's poor areas go without food at least once a week.

• Children most affected by inequality
• Food should be priority - Zille
• Some relatives qualify for foster grant

ANC adopts 'second phase of transition'

The ANC has adopted one of its key policy documents on strategy and tactics at its national conference in Mangaung.

• Health problems in Mangaung
• Zille's Zuma remarks 'have no credibility'
• ANC given all clear to resume conference

Infrastructure plan 'to reverse poverty'

The R4 trillion infrastructure development plan will address unemployment, poverty and the skills shortage, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba says.

• No quick money in infrastructure - Nene
• Nedbank slams state on infrastructure
• SA to get 18 infrastructure projects

11 myths about poverty in SA

Poverty sucks. Three out of every five SA kids can tell you that. And millions of adults. So whose problem is this anyway, asks Susan Erasmus.

Vavi: Poverty bomb has exploded

The "ticking time bomb" of poverty and inequality has resulted in the widespread violence in the country, Zwelinzima Vavi says.

• Corruption perceptions worrying - Vavi
• Polokwane didn't deliver - Cosatu
• Vavi worries about Lonmin domino effect

Extend develoment to poorest - minister

Childhood development projects should be extended to the poorest provinces, says Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana.

• Xingwana: Prioritise women's access to land

Don't blame Constitution - Trevor Manuel

The Constitution cannot be blamed for the slow pace of change in South Africa, as this requires active citizenry, leadership and effective government, Trevor Manuel says.

• Manuel: SA needs faster progress
• Zuma urges nation to embrace NDPwatch
• Manuel: Money isn't the problem

Foster care surprise ruling

Judge says that grandparents have an obligation to look after their grandkids.

Charity really does begin at home

Giving to less fortunate people can teach your child valuable lessons.

Manuel urges SA to embrace NDP

National Planning Commission Minister Trevor Manuel has urged South Africans to embrace the national development plan, saying it is up to all of us to make it work.

• Govt eyes 14% unemployment rate by 2020
• Zille's plan to boost SA growth
• Trevor behind Zuma's plan

ANC tainted by graft claims - Robinson

Ex-UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson has warned that efforts to muzzle whistleblowers will increase corruption, further tainting the ANC.

• Constitution under threat - Ndungane
• Info bill: ANC says not bowing to pressure
• ANC 'is being corrupted'

Poor kids stuck in poverty trap

Children born into poor families are unlikely ever to escape poverty or reap the rewards of living in Africa's largest economy, according to the World Bank.

• World Bank sees lower SA growth
• SA must fight inequality - World Bank

Many don't understand democracy: Zuma

Many South Africans need to be educated about democracy because they do not understand how it works, says President Jacob Zuma.

• SACP members urged to join ANC
• We want Zuma - Nzimande
• Gwede: I did SACP wrong

Nzimande: Skills development vital

The development of skills is crucial in SA's fight against poverty and unemployment, says Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande.

• Nzimande: Free education for the poor
• Out with labour brokers, Nzimande urges
• FET college enrolments exceed projections

India's poorest turn to video journalists

In their recently-launched campaign against caste discrimination, Video Volunteers from across India have released footage to show the problem is still entrenched.

• India's 'untouchable queen' for re-election
• 3 get death for Indian caste murders
• Indian food ritual sparks dispute

Zuma: Business in townships needed

Meaningful economic activity in townships and rural villages and towns is needed to fight poverty, unemployment and inequality, says President Jacob Zuma.

• Zuma sets $15bn target for SA-India trade
• Dysfunctional councils may be taken over
• Khulubuse Zuma's cars auctioned off

Poll finds a third of Indians 'suffering'

A new poll finds that nearly a third of Indians view their lives poorly enough to be classified as suffering.

• Pockets of poverty grow in US - study
• Food costs pushing millions into poverty
• Iran: Capitalism fuels poverty

Overwhelmed gran tries to kill herself

A social worker is to be assigned to help a Cape Town grandmother who is struggling to care for her nine grandchildren, after her employer called a radio talk show to alert authorities to her plight.

• Granny accused of strangling baby
• Baby found alive in Cape Town bin
• Dumping of babies increasing