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Mbeki speech to focus on poverty Mbeki speech to focus on poverty
(20 minutes later)
South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki is due to deliver his annual state of the nation address in parliament. South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki is delivering his annual state of the nation address in parliament, amid mounting concern over crime levels.
He is expected to emphasise the continuing poverty and unemployment, in spite of the record economic growth South Africa is experiencing. But he was expected to emphasise the fight against poverty and unemployment.
But as the country is to host the 2010 football World Cup, the government is under pressure to tackle violent crime. The BBC South Africa correspondent says as the country prepares to host the 2010 football World Cup, the government is under pressure to tackle crime.
The issue has become the main talking point in the country, with Mr Mbeki accused of not doing enough.The issue has become the main talking point in the country, with Mr Mbeki accused of not doing enough.
MURDER FIGURES 2005: 18,545 2004: 18,7932003: 19,8242002: 21,5532001: 21,4052000: 21,7581999: 22,6041998: 25,1271997: 24,4861996: 25,4701995: 26,8771994: 25,965 Source: SA Police Service MURDER PER YEAR 2005: 18,545 2004: 18,7932003: 19,8242002: 21,5532001: 21,4052000: 21,7581999: 22,6041998: 25,1271997: 24,4861996: 25,4701995: 26,8771994: 25,965 Source: SA Police Service
The murder rate is falling according to official figures but there are still more than 18,000 murders each year - one of the highest rates in the world. The murder rate is falling, according to official figures but there are still more than 18,000 murders each year - one of the highest rates in the world.
Mr Mbeki recently said he did not think crime was out of control.
Last month's killing of world-renowned historian David Rattray drew international attention to the issue.Last month's killing of world-renowned historian David Rattray drew international attention to the issue.
Opposition parties accuse the president of being in denial about the problem.Opposition parties accuse the president of being in denial about the problem.
Mr Mbeki recently said he did not think crime was out of control.
Some members of the country's business community have become increasingly anxious about the impact on investor confidence.Some members of the country's business community have become increasingly anxious about the impact on investor confidence.