An evaluation of the socio-economic effects of poverty in the North West province : 2011

Abstract

The aim and objective of this study is to investigate the cause of poverty, assess the rate of poverty, the relationship between poverty, and income inequality and income deficiency in South Africa. The get to the objective the primary data was collected using a survey and a questionnaire was administered to the respondent. Thirty respondents managed to answer the questionnaire out of a total of forty. The response rate was 75% of the total questionnaires distributed. Chapter two interrogate the literature, whilst chapter three discusses the research methodology, that is; General Household Survey(GHS), October Household Survey(OHS), Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), Income Expenditure Survey (IES) all collected and analysed by Statistics South Africa were used to review the income expenditure patterns of South Africa. A body of literature review of previous similar studies on poverty and income inequality is contained in this study to try and expand the broad definition of poverty and inequality. Primary data collected from the households is computed and analysed using SPSS statistical tool and the results are presented through frequency tables and graphs. The results from the analysis is grouped and compared and conclusions are made on what is perceived as a solution to the problem. The results indicate that people from the villages perceive their poverty as a result of government's lack of policies directed at creating sustainable employment opportunities and lack of monitoring and evaluation of pilot projects aimed at alleviating poverty. Lastly, the last chapter close by summary of events throughout the study, conclusions and recommendations are brought forward. The necessity for future research regarding this topic is mentioned.