South Africa, though still a treasure trove of minerals with the most sophisticated economy in Africa, is on the slide both economically and politically

According to the World Economic Forum, South Africa ranks 132nd out of 144 countries for its primary education and 143rd in science and math. The unemployment rate, officially 25%, is probably nearer 40%; half of South Africans under 24 looking for work have none. Of those who have jobs, a third earn less than $2 a day. Inequality has grown since apartheid, and the gap between rich and poor is now among the world’s largest. The main causes of South Africa’s sad decline are the ruling African National Congress' incompetence and outright corruption. The ANC has sought to undermine the independence of the courts, the police, the prosecuting authorities and the press.