There has not been any significant change in the level of poverty in South Africa since the country got independence. In fact, poverty levels have remained high within the country. Stellenbosch University did research in 2000 that showed that the poverty line in South Africa was at about R250 for every person. This would be compared to about $35 per person in a month. Moreover, the same research indicated that as of 1993, the headcount rate relating to poverty was at about 50%. In 2006, the same rate was at about 45%, and this indicated a slight decline.
The validity of this research was questioned in the year 2006 by other researchers who believed that about half of the South African citizens were still inferior. According to research, unemployment levels in South Africa were extremely high, and the trend was likely to continue in the same direction. In addition to this, the Human Development Index of the country, which was at 90 in the year 1994, had fallen to 121 by the year 2005. This was based on the level of life expectancy that was on the decline since the year 1994. In accordance with research done by others on the same subject, it would be concluded that poverty levels had been on the increase in South Africa since the year 1994.
The research methods that would be used in generating information on the issue above would include research work done by other experts in that field. For instance, the best example would be the use of secondary data sources. Standardized social enumerations about social occurrence produced by the public and other private organizations would be of importance in data generation. Data archives for social research, together with secondary quantitative content analysis, would also be of help in data generation.
The main reason for using these research methods is because they would provide information on already researched work, and analysis of the same would be easy to conduct. The unit of analysis would be the headcount rate on poverty and would touch on households. A sample of the population would be taken and interviewed on their level of education. This would enable interpretation of poverty levels within the country.