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Social Security Reform Workshops

povertyThe South African Government is currently considering a number of potentially key reforms to the current social security system in line with the universal right to social security guaranteed in section 27 of the Constitution of South Africa.

While government departments on various options for social security reform have published various discussion documents, research shows that very few civil society institutions or structures are aware of the process. At realising this, the Department of Social Development decided to partner up with civil society organisations to facilitate one national workshop and 3 clustered provincial workshops.

The lead organisation is Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII). Other organisations involved in this process include; Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), South African Council of Churches (SACC), Black Sash, The Forum and the NEDLAC Community Constituency.

Click here for full details of the forthcoming workshops

The Rights of Young Children
acess_logoPlease find below the resolutions of the Alliance for Children’s Entitlement to Social Security (ACESS) Young Child Conference, which took place on 23 and 24 July 2008, for your information. This is a landmark document in terms of establishing a framework to judge the success of any programmes relating to the rights of young children in South Africa .

Delegates attending the conference have adopted the following resolutions relating the the rights of young children to Social Security; identity; education, learning and development; health care and services; basic services (including water, sanitation, and electricity); food and nutrition; transport; safety and security.

Click here for the full resolution.

Chronic Diseases Grant (Proposal)

capsules_and_tablets13th August 2008
Chapter 12 of  The National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan for South Africa 2007/2011  (NSP) calls for the introduction of a supportive legal and policy framework to facilitate effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support; including the adoption of a Chronic Diseases Grant.

However, the only access afforded to people living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) is through the Disability Grant.  The Disability Grant   is  allocated  to  individuals with either  permanent psychological and physical disability, or for temporary ailments that render them unable to work. This leaves many people living with chronic illnesses,  particularly the 5.5 million living with HIV/AIDS, outside of the welfare system, despite the guarantees outlined in the Constitution and the NSP.

pdf ttt cdg position paper final 154.01 Kb

We would like to know what you think of this proposal and how we can ensure that it works well for people in Mzansi.

Please send your comments directly to Paul Booth (Research Assistant to Mark Heywood - The Deputy Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)) 011 356 4100 (switchboard)