Welfare policy and the transformation of social security in South Africa

Abstract

Social security is based on the belief that all citizens should be protected by the state against the main vicissitudes of life: old age, unemployment, disability and sickness. The success of welfare programmes internationally in improving poverty, income distribution and unemployment is appraised. Income maintenance in South Africa, which is discriminatory and ineffective in meeting real human needs, is examined. Although welfare should not promote dependence, neither should it be so hard to come by as to punish the poor.

Notes

This article is partly based on an MCom dissertation submitted to the University of the Witwatersrand. The financial assistance of the Centre for Science Development (HSRC) is hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the HSRC.