A Human-Centred Approach to Social Protection: How South Africa’s Regulatory Frameworks Can Unlock Sustainable Livelihoods

By Precious Mupenzi

• At a recent roundtable in Cape Town, social development expert Professor Lauren Graham highlighted the importance of action-oriented, accountable frameworks to link social grant recipients with sustainable livelihoods.
• Graham emphasised the need for cohesive collaboration across government, private, and community sectors to address the interconnected issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in South Africa.
• With research support from the Human Sciences Research Council, the roundtable underscored the potential for enhanced regulatory frameworks and grassroots support systems to empower communities, moving beyond temporary relief toward lasting economic inclusion.

Creating lasting change requires more than regulatory frameworks; it demands people committed to action and accountability. This was the key message from Professor Lauren Graham, social development expert at the Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, who recently led a discussion on building effective social protection that fosters sustainable livelihoods. Graham posed critical questions: Do we need new frameworks, and if so, what should their purpose and impact be? Calling for a “coalition of the willing” to drive these frameworks forward, he underscored the importance of actionable goals directly tied to the needs of beneficiaries rather than formalities alone.

In his address, Professor Graham stressed the interconnected nature of social and economic development. While social grants provide a foundation for basic needs, he argued, economic pathways such as employment and entrepreneurship are essential to achieve sustainable livelihoods. He highlighted that linking social protection to sustainable livelihoods in South Africa requires not only robust frameworks but, more importantly, dedicated collaboration across government departments and agencies.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) contributed to the discussion with research underscoring the impact of accessible, locally relevant support systems that empower grant recipients to pursue economic opportunities. Both Professor Graham and HSRC researchers emphasised that by refining existing frameworks to clarify roles and responsibilities, South Africa could bridge the gap between social support and economic inclusion, fostering sustainable livelihoods that meet the evolving needs of its people.

During the roundtable, Professor Graham argued that regulatory frameworks are essential for linking social protection beneficiaries to sustainable livelihoods. Hosted in collaboration with the HSRC, the event focused on dismantling the barriers between social and economic sectors to ensure a comprehensive approach to human development.

He explained that separating social welfare from economic inclusion is counterproductive: “Economic and social needs are deeply intertwined, and we cannot achieve sustainable livelihoods without addressing the social welfare of individuals.” Graham underscored that social grants should support basic income, while employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development must be prioritised through cross-departmental partnerships.

The discussion centred on the need for updated or refined regulatory frameworks, with Graham advocating for building on the solid foundation of the 1997 White Paper for Social Welfare rather than creating new structures from scratch. “We should leverage existing frameworks with clear goals and accountability rather than reinventing the wheel,” he advised, recommending that frameworks focus on interdepartmental collaboration with measurable outcomes tied to specific responsibilities. He argued for frameworks prioritising action and beneficiary-centred accessibility at the community level.

Professor Graham further highlighted the on-the-ground challenges faced by social grant recipients, who often navigate complex systems with limited support or awareness. “Regulations are meaningless if they don’t translate into tangible benefits for people on the ground,” he emphasised, advocating for frameworks that make opportunities locally accessible and relevant. He concluded by reiterating the importance of a “coalition of the willing”—motivated individuals dedicated to bringing these goals to fruition, ensuring that social protection translates to meaningful progress for South Africa’s most vulnerable.