Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is a prevalent reality in South Africa. Its current
and progressive effects remain visible and apparent both nationally and internationally
and has clearly exacerbated existing socio-economic challenges. A sense of urgency
and responsiveness is therefore needed from government, business and civil society to
expand social protection interventions to address these challenges. The concept of
social protection is an international practice used as part of the measures established to
address national socio-economic issues. When implemented well, social protection
systems have the capability of alleviating the effects of hunger, extreme poverty and
unemployment. Social protection alone cannot be the panacea for all challenges
present in a country, especially in a country such as South Africa where there are
immense levels of unemployment, persistent job losses, poverty and inequality. Social
protection is a fundamental and constitutional right in South Africa, entrenched in the Bill
of Rights. In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996, the
government has an obligation and responsibility to ensure and enhance this right to all
people residing within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.The idea of an
impactful social protection system intended to provide the basic necessities to the
vulnerable, marginalised and impoverished communities cannot be realised and
achieved in a society wherein the socio-economic and political environment lacks
measures against the culture of corruption, maladministration and mismanagement
within the system.
Keywords : COVID-19, social protection, social security, poverty, unemployment, social
insurance, social assistance.