Criminality is always the result of poverty. Countries that experience such a fundamental change as we have - we had the apartheid regime and must now develop a multicultural democracy - must necessarily pass through a phase of high crime rates.

In this quote, Jacob Zuma, the former president of South Africa, links criminality to the socio-economic conditions that arise from poverty. He suggests that crime is often a direct result of individuals struggling with the economic hardships associated with living in poverty. Zuma emphasizes that when people do not have access to basic resources or opportunities, they may turn to criminal activity as a way of coping or surviving.

Zuma also references the significant historical change that South Africa underwent with the end of the apartheid regime and the transition to a multicultural democracy. He points out that such a profound shift in a nation's social and political structure often comes with a period of instability. This instability can manifest in higher crime rates as communities and institutions adjust to the new realities of a more inclusive, democratic society.

By acknowledging that high crime rates are a temporary phase, Zuma implies that such social challenges are part of the process of transition and development. In the context of South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy, the rise in crime can be seen as a growing pain, reflecting the tensions between the old system and the new, more inclusive society that is being built.

Ultimately, Zuma’s statement suggests that while high crime rates are a difficult reality in post-apartheid South Africa, they are not a permanent feature. As the country continues to evolve into a truly multicultural and democratic society, the underlying economic and social issues that contribute to criminal behavior must be addressed for long-term stability and progress.