DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS CALLS ON SOUTH AFRICAN THOUGHT LEADERS TO DRIVE SOLUTIONS AT SOCIAL SECURITY REVIEW LAUNCH

By Precious Mupenzi

• At the launch of the Social Security Review Volume 2 in Cape Town, Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr. Ganief Hendricks called on thought leaders and stakeholders to move beyond questioning to actively contributing viable solutions for strengthening South Africa’s social protection systems amidst the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.
• The publication, a collaboration among the Department of Social Development, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and independent experts, highlights the gaps exposed by the pandemic and emphasises the need for an inclusive and comprehensive social protection framework, particularly for vulnerable groups.
• Hendricks urged a shift towards evidence-based decision-making and ambitious policies like the Universal Basic Income Grant, stressing that reforming social security is crucial for reducing inequality and enhancing social cohesion in South Africa.

At the official launch of the Social Security Review Volume 2, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr. Ganief Hendricks, urged thought leaders and stakeholders to move beyond posing questions and instead contribute viable solutions towards fortifying South Africa’s social protection systems. Set against the theme “Social Security in the Time of COVID-19,” the gathering in Cape Town brought together influential figures from government, academia, research, and civil society to reflect on the pandemic’s impact on social protection and discuss innovative ways to address the ongoing challenges.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the collective efforts behind the publication, which is the result of collaboration among the Department of Social Development, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and independent experts and researchers. Applauding their dedication, the minister emphasised that the Social Security Review serves as a platform for independent critique and examination of government interventions on crucial policy matters. “Your work is essential for building an informed society that can hold policy decisions to account and ensure that they benefit every South African,” he noted, urging them to continue their contributions.

Since its inaugural release in February 2022, the Social Security Review has become a critical resource, providing insights into the gaps exposed by COVID-19. “The pandemic brought social protection to the forefront globally,” said the Deputy Minister, highlighting the world’s largest mobilisation of social protection measures seen to date. However, he pointed out several gaps in South Africa’s own systems, including sparse coverage and data management for vulnerable groups, particularly unemployed adults, seasonal workers, and informal sector employees. These issues, he added, affect women most profoundly, as they are predominantly represented in insecure, informal work.

Minister Hendricks underscored the urgency of addressing these gaps, given the clear benefits that an inclusive, comprehensive social protection system can offer. He argued that the experiences from COVID-19 made a compelling case for more lofty policies, including the Universal Basic Income Grant. “Now is the time to begin serious national discussions on overdue policy choices, and this publication is essential as we work toward a resilient social security system,” he said, linking this to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s strategic focus on poverty reduction and managing the cost of living.

The Deputy Minister noted that evidence-based decision-making must guide social security reform, especially as South Africa looks towards its National Consultative Dialogue scheduled for December 16, where a united vision for the country’s social protection framework will be on the agenda. “The capacity of social protection to reduce inequality and manage poverty is foundational to our nation’s stability,” he remarked, underscoring the important role of social security in promoting social cohesion and renewing the social contract with South Africans.

Highlighting the tangible impact of social assistance programmes, the Deputy Minister lauded South Africa’s achievements in poverty reduction since the dawn of democracy. The country currently provides income support to over 18 million vulnerable individuals, including children, older persons, and people with disabilities. This was supplemented by the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which began as a temporary measure in 2020 to aid over 8.5 million unemployed adults affected by the pandemic. Hendricks emphasised that this network of social assistance measures acts as a lifeline in times of crisis, noting, “One cannot imagine the depths of poverty our people might have faced without these protections.”

The Deputy Minister shared that climate change and the economic aftershocks of COVID-19 are prompting a re-evaluation of South Africa’s social protection framework. “We must build a modern, comprehensive, and shock-responsive system,” he declared, adding that social protection reform is not just policy—it’s a constitutional mandate. South Africa’s Constitution enshrines democratic values, social justice, human rights, and a commitment to quality of life for all citizens. Hendricks expressed optimism that continued collaboration with experts and academics will drive progress in these areas.

Deputy Minister Hendricks extended heartfelt appreciation to the authors, editors, and reviewers whose contributions made the Social Security Review Volume 2 possible. Their work, he believes, will stimulate robust dialogue and help shape policies that support a more equitable future for South Africa. Officially launching the publication, he declared it a must-read for legislators, scholars, and all invested in South Africa’s prosperity.

As South Africa approaches the Consultative Dialogue, Hendricks left thought leaders with a final call to action: “Let us not only bring questions but meaningful solutions, to build the kind of future our people deserve.”