SAFTU says crime must be understood as a manifestation of deeper socio-economic conditions [SOUND]

# SAFTU says crime in South Africa must be understood as a manifestation of deeper socio-economic conditions, including mass unemployment, inequality, inadequate housing, failing public services, substance abuse, and systemic social exclusion. SAFTU’s Asive Dyani says the persistence of these conditions is closely linked to the macroeconomic framework adopted by the state. She says austerity policies have systematically weakened the capacity of the public sector to respond effectively to both crime and its root causes: