Almost two decades after the end of apartheid, the South African Government continues to uphold the rights of its citizens and to invest heavily in the wellbeing of its people. The country plays a key economic and political role on the continent, but faces many challenges, including unemployment, HIV/AIDS, crime and corruption. USAID programs strengthen small- and medium-sized enterprises, create employment, improve learning and job skills, promote basic education, combat gender-based violence, and promote HIV/AIDS care, prevention and treatment.