The policy of apartheid, until recently one of the dominant aspects of South African society, has caused grievous harm to that nation's non-white population, especially black women and children. Most black children have not grown up in stable, two-parent families due to migrant labor policies and low wages. Housing, health care, nutrition, and educational opportunity in black communities is inferior to that in White areas due to the restrictions imposed on Blacks by apartheid. Black children are also victims of the continuing violence in South Africa and of exploitative labor practices. The international community can help relieve some of these legacies of apartheid by providing funds and other assistance to ensure that: (1) children have adequate health care and nutrition; (2) disadvantaged communities have adequate basic infrastructure and services such as clean water, waste disposal, and schools; (3) disadvantaged South Africans become literate and learn skills to empower and provide for themselves; and (4) public awareness is stimulated to help assist South Africa's children. Investment in the well-being, education, and skills of mothers and children is crucial to economic prosperity, political stability, and development in South Africa. (MDM)