South Africa

Press, 6 November 1978, Page 16

South Africa

Sir. —Regardless of the views of Messrs Mumford and Wilson (November 2i statistics show that the living standards of South African non-whites are higher than those of most African countries in spite of discrimination. The minimum, living level (m. 1.1. of blacks living in Soweto is 8350, which is still three times higher than the 1.L.0. norm for seriously poor in Africa. By 1.L.0 norms in 1975 only 19.5 per cent of blacks had an income lower than the m. 1.1. while in the rest of Africa 67 per cent were classed as seriously poor and 30 per cent were destitute Furthermore, the Government and industry continue to advocate both rhe removal of racial discriminatory laws and the narrowing of the wage gap. South Africa is nevertheless criticised on the grounds that the relatively high living standard of the South African non-whites cannot justify their exploitation. Ignorance of the real problems in most African countries leads to the fallacious conclusion that universal suffrage is tantamount to ensuring that human rights will prevail.—Yours, etc.. P R. LINDHORST, Consul-General. November 2, 1978.