do blacks now have equal rights in south africa after apartheid has
been abolished?  are they better off now than they were when apartheid
was still part of the law?

Hi, gigi176,

I've found two webpages which should help you. You'll see that though
things have improved somewhat between 1994 to 1998, and 1998 to 2003,
that the same problems and issues still exist.

This is a 1998 essay. It discusses a British documentary about
conditions in South Africa following the end of apartheid in 1994.
post apartheid
://www.google.ca/search?q=post+apartheid&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&start=0&sa=N

Next is an essay from November 2003 and provides a background,
information about race relations,  economic issues (include charts by
year to show progress), and a conclusion.
The African Students Association (ASA) - South Africa...The Johns ...
http://www.jhu.edu/~asa/discussions/south_africa.html

Thanks for the question.

Regards,
revbrenda

Search strategy:

post apartheid
://www.google.ca/search?q=post+apartheid&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&start=0&sa=N

race relations South Africa
://www.google.ca/search?q=race+relations+South+Africa&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&start=0&sa=N

Thanks for your question. As a South AFrican, I wonder where you have
been the last ten years, and where you get your information on South
Africa from?

I do believe black people are better off than 10 years ago (the ANC
came to power in 1994). More than a million houses have been built,
millions more now have access to running water and electricity.

As far as political rights are concerned, South Africa has one of the
most (if not the most) progressive constitions in the world, probably
more so than that of the United States.

Where race relations are concerned, South AFricans are making
progress. Although I believe this is hampered by the government's
constant efforts to reduce and connect all problems to race. Instead
of reducing racial conflict, it often serves to further polarise
communities.

Hope this helps