South Africa is rich in natural resources making it Africa's largest economy, however with high levels of unemployment at 23.3%, many South Africans live in poverty. Much of this poverty can be traced back to the apartheid era in South Africa's history when there was little investment in black housing, education nor basic facilities such as healthcare etc. Poorly educated and ill people do not make for a vibrant economy, nor does an underinvested in infrastructure with roads and rail networks ill equipped to face the challenges of the twenty first century.

The most recent data from 2009 indicated that 22% of the population live below the internationally recognised poverty line (although this has fallen from the 50% of 2000), life expectancy is just over fifty years and infant mortality rates are running at 43 for every 1000 births. When apartheid ended, South Africa sought to re-enter to world community by opening its doors to foreign investment and trade, however, in doing so, opened those same doors to foreign labour who took the few jobs available away from native South Africans. This ended with rioting in some areas of the country.

Another factor that has contributed to poverty in South Africa is the prevalence of AIDS with South Africa having the highest numbers of AIDS infected people than anywhere else on the planet. When the employed or self employed become ill, their source of income is lost with little or nothing remaining to pay for expensive medical and funeral bills. Children in these families are often forced to drop out of school to care for their ill parents or look after younger siblings taking away their one route out of poverty.

This video documentary explores poverty in South Africa today and gives an insight into life in the poorer areas including sub-standard housing, poor water sources and ongoing power failures.