Horizontal Inequalities in
Southern Africa: An Overiview
• As Thomas has theoretically and empirically
shown, there is a direct link between inequality
and, violent conflict & insecurity
• More so in relation to Horizontal
Inequalities (HIs)
• This quote refrencing Stewart (2001) and the World
Bank ( 2003) explains this:
”...developing policies to reduce Vertical Inequalities is
important. However, horizontal inequalities, rather
than vertical are particularly important in conflictprone societies, since there is growing evidence that the
nature and level of His are important determinants of
the risk of violent conflict. Violent conflict in turn
undermines development and increases poverty
levels”
• *However, we can note that conflict even when not
overtly violent, still undermines devlopment and
inclusivity
• Thus HIs are an important issue to raise in
relation to Goal 16: Promote peaceful and
inclusive societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build
effective, accountable and inclusive institutions
at all levels
• HIs are a salient and pressing issue in Southern
Africa, as a consequence of a particular history
and political-socio-economic context. As a
result Southern African Countries are struggling
to address the ‘National Question’ i.e. how do
Southern African states respond to the
challenges highlighted by HIs
•South Africa: has the highest gini-coeffcient in the world (Mail and Guardian, 2013). Yet denoted as an “Upper middle income” country. Unemployment . Huge
• Angola: Oil Boom money , also denoted as an “Upper middle income” country yet massive income inequality. High levels of poverty.
•DRC: vast natural resources,e.g. Coltan. Poor Development Indicators
• Economic HIs in Southern Africa:
South Africa: has the highest gini-coeffcient in the world
(Mail and Guardian, 2013). Yet denoted as an “Upper middle
income” country. Unemployment . Huge income inequality.
Angola: Oil Boom money, also denoted as an “Upper middle
income” country yet massive income inequality. High levels
of poverty.
DRC: vast natural resources e.g. Coltan. Poor Development
Indicators
Zimbabwe: Land issue
• Social HI in Southern Africa:
General challenge throughout the region: urban
migration throughout the region has exposed the
challenges around social service deivery.
South African under immense pressure with regards to
social services as there millions of African migrants
within the country
Zimbabwe social indicators have fallen drastically as a
consequence of political conflict and instability
• Political HI in Southern Africa:
Patronage a regionwide problem
Swaziland: absolute monarchy. No political parties
allowed. Civil society constrained
Malawi: Patronage under Pres Bingu Mutharikwha
Zimbabwe : Post 2013 elections, decimated
opposition. Ruling Party unchecked.
• Cultural HI in Southern Africa:
Region- wide challenges. LGBTI rights. Role of
Women in important political processes around
peacebuidling and medition (Zimbabwe and
Madagascar)
Ethnicity and Race still a challenge
• Conclusion:
Very NB to note that HIs are generally intertwined in a complex
and nuanced manner. Generally the political and economic
inequalities precipitate the other inequalities (or vice versa). E.g.
Zimbabwe
• Where horizontal inequality results in terms of the exclusion or
marginlaisation of key groups it becomes even more of a conflict
driver thus in 'Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies’ it is
necessary to also work to reduce inequality generally and horizontal
inequality in particular.
• Human Security is an important issue with regards to inequality,
peace and insculivness