Is South Africa Becoming a Failed State? (Level 1)

South Africa is facing a serious organized crime problem. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called it the most immediate threat to the country's democracy, society, and economy. The economy is weak, with low growth and high prices. Unemployment is 33.6 percent, and nearly two out of three young people cannot find work. South Africa is also the most unequal country in the world. These problems have helped organized crime grow. A public inquiry that started in September 2025 found that criminals had entered the police and government. A man named Vusi Khekhe Mkhonza is accused of paying officers for favors. The police minister and other top officials have left their jobs. Yet violence continues. Recently, two shootings killed at least 27 people. The ruling ANC party is losing support. A recent poll gave it only 31 percent of the vote.