Strengthening social protection in South Africa, collaborative effort

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with Black Sash and the National Planning Commission (NPC), convened a two-day conference focused on advancing the Social Protection Floor (SPF) in South Africa. The event brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, academics, and social protection experts, to engage in dialogue and action aimed at strengthening the country's social protection framework.

The National Development Plan in 2012 proposed that South Africa should work towards a definition of the national social protection floor (SPF). A SPF is a comprehensive, rights-based framework aimed at ensuring that all individuals enjoy access to basic income and health services.

A SPF includes elements such as healthcare for all including maternity care; basic income security for children providing access to nutrition, education, care and necessary goods and services, basic income security for persons of active age who are unable to earn sufficient income and basic income security for older persons and persons with disabilities.

These guarantees should enable access to key services such education and housing, contributing to reducing poverty and inequality.

This convening provided a platform for broadening understanding and building a consensus on different elements of the SPF. South Africa has many of the elements in place, such as income support for children, elderly and persons with disabilities, however this support is targeted and not universal. The participants also discussed strategies to implement and expand the SPF, ensuring that all persons living in South Africa are covered by basic social protection systems.

Key highlights of the convening included Panel Discussions and Presentations led by experts to explore the role of the Social Protection Floor in achieving the development goals of the National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on inclusive social policies that address current gaps.

Breakout sessions were interactive and designed to promote collaborative discussions on the technical and operational aspects of social protection policies considering basic income and health and how they enable access to nutrition basic services and education. .

Alexio Musindo, Director ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa emphasized the need for implementing Recommendation on Social Protection Floors adopted by ILO Member States in 2012 and ratifying ILO Conventions related to social protection, particularly Convention No.102 on Social Security is crucial to strengthening commitments and ensuring accountability.

These instruments provide a clear framework for designing and implementing comprehensive social protection systems that align with international labour standards,” added Musindo.

The National Planning Commission, highlighted government priorities and the importance of a coordinated approach to social protection in achieving the national development goals