Browsing by Author "Lubisi, Nombulelo"

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    The right to social security and social assistance with particular reference to olderpersons in the Eastern Cape Province: A case study of Nkonkobe Municipality
    (University of Fort Hare, 2010-04) Lubisi, Nombulelo
    The right to social security and social assistance is among the human rights recognized in the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) and in the Constitution of South Africa ( 1996). The right is of central importance for safeguarding the human dignity of all persons when they face circumstances that potentially deprive them of their capacity to fully enjoy their human rights. The realization of this right requires the government to adopt a number of progressive measures and marshal adequate resources to social security and pro poor programmes. The thesis examines the right to social security and social assistance with particular reference to older persons in the Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It addresses the question of access to resources and social service delivery, the level of protection offered by the government, and problems of implementation. In doing so, the study adopts a human rights-based approach. South Africa has adopted a number of policies and legislation in line with international norms and standards, and in conformity with the Constitution. She has put in place a social security framework that focus on improving the human condition of a number of beneficiary groups, such as old persons; children, etc. While many of the above groups have benefited, there are some who are still excluded from accessing these grants due to lack of information on the existence of the scheme; lack of the ·necessary documents such as birth certificates; and inefficiency in the Department of Social Welfare. At the same time, while the current social security system is unable to deliver because of poor implementation, poverty remains a continuing challenge despite the adoption of pro poor policies. The government should provide the poor and those who have no capacity to meet their basic needs with the necessary means to sustain their livelihoods. However, the continued reliance on social grants alone does not empower the poor to move out of the poverty trap. The thesis recommends that special measures should be adopted for older persons in addition to those agreed and already in place, more in particular in households where there is more than one elderly member. The government should also encourage and assist the elderly to engage in income generating and self sufficiency activities in order for the latter to meet the increasing burden of having to care for, and educate, grandchildren and orphans, and also support other members of the extended family.