BUILDING RESILIENCE: SOUTH AFRICA’S EVOLVING SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AMID CRISES

By Morapedi Sibeko

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa’s government implemented combined food and financial support measures, such as food parcels and social grants, to protect vulnerable communities, highlighting the essential role of integrated aid in sustaining livelihoods during crises.
• Experts from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Social Security Review have noted the importance of coordinated governance and efficient distribution models, as regional disparities revealed gaps in support that a unified response could bridge.
• By adopting technology and fostering partnerships with local organisations, South Africa can build a more resilient social security system that effectively addresses food security, poverty, and emergency response needs, providing sustainable support for communities in times of crisis.

In 2020, when COVID-19 struck, South Africa faced unprecedented challenges in ensuring that its most vulnerable communities received food and essential supplies. The government implemented numerous social assistance programmes, including food vouchers, parcels, and cash grants, to alleviate the effects of lockdowns.

Throughout the pandemic, it became clear that for people to endure a crisis, both food and financial support are essential. Providing only one form of aid leaves vulnerable households struggling to meet basic needs. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) distribution of food parcels and grants highlighted the vast number of families living below the poverty line.

According to Dr Peter Jacobs from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), these initiatives also revealed critical governance weaknesses, as regional variations in food parcel distribution methods affected efficiency. Where government-led and NGO-led initiatives worked together, the outcomes were notably improved.

Social grants, while vital for increasing household income, also play an essential role in supporting food security. Unlike traditional food distribution, which involves providing food directly, social grants give households the flexibility to purchase their own essentials.

As highlighted in Social Security Review Volume 2, households receiving both food and cash support from a single government source during COVID-19 benefited from simplified assistance. Others, however, faced challenges in converting cash to food due to market volatility and logistical issues. This underscores the need for an integrated approach that combines food and financial support, providing comprehensive, accessible aid through a single entity to close service delivery gaps and offer a dependable safety net during crises.

Moving forward, bolstering South Africa’s disaster preparedness requires institutions capable of leveraging technology and adapting to evolving circumstances. Prof. Alex van den Heever from the Wits School of Governance emphasised that ongoing technological adoption is essential for increasing the reach and responsiveness of social support initiatives. Digital solutions can streamline processes like beneficiary identification, distribution logistics, and real-time data analysis, enabling faster, more targeted relief efforts.

Incorporating such technologies into routine operations, rather than only during emergencies, could make South Africa’s social security system more resilient, accessible, and equipped to support those in need.

COVID-19 highlighted the need for a more responsive approach to food distribution, particularly in addressing those below the food poverty level. According to Dr Jacobs, enhancing food assistance means focusing on nutrient-rich products that meet urgent dietary needs, ensuring that food packages and vouchers cover essential items.

Improving institutional governance is equally crucial; Dr Jacobs advocates for better coordination among social assistance organisations, facilitated by a comprehensive database for efficient distribution and real-time tracking. This information system can also enable collaboration with local food banks, NPOs, and community organisations, increasing reach and reducing redundancy. By building these partnerships and optimising logistics, South Africa can better meet the nutritional needs of its most vulnerable communities during future crises.

By learning from recent experiences and embracing an integrated approach to social security, South Africa can build a more resilient system capable of combating poverty and hunger while facing the challenges of future crises.