South Africa’s plight

I agree with most of what Barry Craig said (Letters, July 21). So sad for all South Africa’s citizens to see their beloved country in the chaos it finds itself in today.

The rioting and looting were a combination of poverty, unemployment, and incitement by Zuma’s cadres.

While I agree some sort of financial help is needed for the poor, we also have to look deeper into the causes – rampant corruption through all levels of society, the ANC being split down the middle with ongoing infighting, a health and education system which is crumbling.

Huge population growth adds to the problem. Thirty years ago the population was 36 million, in 2020 it was 59m (World Bank).

It is well known that families with only one or two children have more disposable income to spend on them and give them a better chance in life.

One bright light, Cyril Ramaphosa seems to be an excellent leader and the courts so far have shown courage and independence.

Michael Miller, Whanganui