Abstract
This study focuses on critically analysing social protection between South Africa, Namibia and India whilst focusing on their constitutional, legislative and international instruments regulating social security. The impact of social security systems in all these countries is an important aspect which safeguards everyone’s rights and ensuring equal protection for everyone. This study is guided by the International Labour Organizations (ILO) and the United Nations instruments dealing with social protection. Although these countries are constitutional democracies and committed to internal standards, it is argued that their social security systems are currently ineffective and inadequate in protecting everyone, especially informal workers. Throughout the analysis it is evident that South Africa’s current social protection systems are still inefficient while Namibia’s system has improved coverage. Even though India has some new developments in its social protection systems however they remain inefficient. This study supports the use of an inclusive social protection system which encompasses all that was previously covered under social security. It is recommended that a rights-based approach to social protection should be adopted to ensure protection of informal workers and current social insurance systems should be inclusive.