Since 1994, the South African government has constructed more than 2.4 million houses and given them away to needy households. The World Economic Forum’s report Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009, ranked South Africa 132nd of 134 nations for ‘Quality of math and science education.’ (www.housing.gov.za, www.weforum.org)
This week’s theme: Disparate stats
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dont know how bricks and brains go can be equated. surely a govt is providing homes for the poor. yes we have a poor education system but that fact makes not sense at all. unless if i missed something in it.
Politicians like building houses because they can count them (2.4 million!!!!). Counting the benefits of education is a lot harder and much more intangible. It also takes at least a generation to see the fruits. The politician’s time horizon is until the next election, no further.
Maqhawe – the fact is not equating bricks and brains. It’s merely highlighting the choices the Government is making. Giving people houses makes poverty a bit more bearable, but gives little hope to leave poverty. Education is a sure way out of poverty.
As an aside, poor people can build shelter for themselves. Not great ones, sometimes leaky ones, but they can do it. They have no hope of educating themselves (or providing their own health care).
i am sure we are better educated than the rest of africa. it would be interesting to know the countries we are compared with. if this is a fact the goverment must know it is better teach the people to fish not supply them with fish!
Anne-Marie – here is the full list. Just about every country you can think of is there.
Anne-Marie – Not only does the SA Government know about this 132nd out of 134 debacle, but they were asked about it in parliament:
This is very informative. Thank you for your trouble of uploading the information. I still can’t believe that we are below all of our neighbouring countries. Education is so important for our economy. Must be because a learner only needs 33% to pass, the teaching staff combined with the education system and because the small children is not taught maths at a young age, but the last mentioned is the same in all of Africa. Thanks again for the list.
I really enjoy Fact a Day but I think you should stick to ONE fact. By linking unrelated facts you are making a political statement and/or a value judgement. The value of Fact-A-Day, to me, is that we are given the information without bias and can make of it what we want.