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South Africa

South Africa1.0 Introduction

After almost half a century of apartheid, the first multi-racial elections in 1994 ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. The collapse of apartheid and the transition to a democratic rule in the country remains one of the most remarkable political achievements in the region.

The country since 1992 has enjoyed favourable economic conditions and growth processes until the recent global economic crises which saw growth rates plummeting to 1.9% in 2009.

Poverty levels remain high with the worst affected being the black population. Inequality in living conditions continues to increase across race, gender and location.

 

2.0 Country Snapshot

Total Land Area (000 sq. Km)

238.5 sq. km (World Development indicators, 2009)1

Population (Millions)

23.84  (Population reference Bureau)2

Urban Population (%)
Rural Population

44       (Population reference Bureau)
56

Gender Development Rank

126     (Human Development Report, 2009)

GDP Growth

6.2%   (World Development indicators, 2009)

GDP per capita , Atlas Method ($)

670     (World Development indicators, 2009)

Population below $1.25 a day (%)

30       (Human Development Report, 2009)

GDP Composition

Agriculture      32%
Industry  26%
Services  42%

(World Development indicators, 2009)

Rural Access Indictor3

44%  (World Bank, 1997)

Transport Expenditure as a % of GDP

-

 

3.0 Transport and Development in Context

 

4.0 Overview of the Transport Sector

Railway4 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the 781 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad) narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge
     
Road Total Length: 36,469 km
  Paved: 6,980 km
  Unpaved: 29,489 km
     
Airports Total: 63
  Paved: 17
  Unpaved: 46
     
Merchant Marine 5 Total: 9
  Cargo: 8
  Roll on/roll off 1(2008)

 

5.0 Road Classification System

 

6.0 Institutional framework for the sector

 

7.0 Relevant Rural Transport Programmes

 

8.0 Some Key Documents and Websites