Pertinent social security issues in South Africa

Socio-Economic Rights Project Research Series 4, 2008 This research paper, by Letlhokwa George Mpedi, provides some perspectives on the South African social security system, including the South African Social Security Agency. The paper first analyses the social and political context of poverty in South Africa. It then proceeds with a theoretical discussion of the concepts of social security and comprehensive social protection. This is followed by an exploration of the South African social security framework - the legal, institutional and administrative framework, the scope of social security coverage, and social security adjudication and enforcement. Finally, the paper identifies gaps and challenges within the social security system, assesses the opportunities for developing a comprehensive social security system in South Africa, and provides some recommendations as to how the social security system might be improved. Download the Socio-Economic Rights Project Research Series 4, 2008