Direct reasons for widespread poverty:
1.The ANC is running an education system that every year rates at between #142 and 144 out of 144 countries by 3 different measures (WEF, WCI, TIMMS), so that people simply cannot add value to the economy, even if they wanted to. Yet the ANC is completely relaxed about this situation. In fact, this is probably by design, to create a dependent voting pool.
2.Judging by statements from both the ANC and EFF to expropriate land without compensation, there is a real possibility that they will join in 2019, alter the constitution, and make this a reality. The result now is huge business uncertainty. A flight of investment money out of SA will create an economic wasteland. But hey, taking land will keep the ANC in power, so why worry? And they wonder why business is keeping it's cash dry.
3.Virtually all in the ANC elite have a limited business knowledge. They make poorly informed economic decisions that affect the entire SA population.
Etc, etc, etc