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Democracy and Governance in South Africa
South Africa has made considerable progress since the fall of apartheid in
1994. Major transformations of the judicial, educational, health and governance systems have been
launched. Two sets of free and fair national and local elections have been held. The South African
government is committed to economic freedom and has invested heavily in its people. Public
expenditures in education and health in particular have increased, and comprise more than 10% of the
country’s Gross National Product. Two million low-cost houses were constructed between 1996 and 2000,
and 85% of all households have access to clean water.
USAID provides strategic assistance in six areas: health and HIV/AIDS, education,
urban environment, employment generation, economic policy development, and democracy and
governance. These objectives support national efforts to reduce disparities between historically privileged
and disadvantaged groups and help build the capacity of local governments to deliver services. USAID
uses partnerships with the private sector and non-governmental organizations to help achieve these
objectives. South Africa is a focus country under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
(PEPFAR). All proposed HIV/AIDS activities are being integrated into PEPFAR and are subject to the
approval of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. Additional funding from the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative
account is anticipated for both FY 2004 and FY 2005. A new regional HIV/AIDS strategy supporting 10
countries, including five PEPFAR countries, is expected to be finalized by the end of FY 2004 and will be
fully implemented in FY 2005. This program will be managed by USAID/South Africa.
USAID programs will also support South Africa's efforts to increase access to quality education and
training for historically disadvantaged groups. In addition, USAID will support policies conducive to
sustainable urban management, as well as improved access to energy-efficient housing and basic
municipal services through public-private partnerships. These activities meet U.S. Government priorities
in clean energy, climate change, and water. USAID programs will foster the growth and development of
small and emerging urban and rural businesses by providing linkages and market opportunities that did
not exist or were constrained under apartheid. FY 2004 funds will also be used to provide capacity
building and training to entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged groups, facilitate market-based land
transactions, and enhance rural finance. Furthermore, USAID programs will support South Africa’s efforts
to address high rates of crime and perceptions of corruption through such programs as the Anti
Corruption Initiative.
(Excerpted from the 2005 Congressional Budget Justification for South Africa)
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