So wealth is not trickling down from the rich to the poor, as people like to think. Countries of the South find themselves giving away, virtually for nothing, earnings from their precious commodities like coffee, copper, tea and sugar. This is a form of economics that denies the world humanity, rich and poor alike, says Ndungane, who is also one of South Africa's great Robben Island legends. To qualify for this scheme, countries have to fulfil strict conditions designed to restructure the economy, many of which have a negative impact on the poorest people. Jubilee, a coalition of churches and NGOs did sterling work in raising awareness around the world of the debt crisis.
History is awash with examples of debts cancelled for purely political reasons.
14-16 May 2001. Workshop on Special Events by Jill Richie . 18 May 2001. Workshop on How to deal with the media by Christina Stucky, Sunday Independent . 24 May 2001.