Addressing the social protection deficits for waste reclaimers in South Africa

Abstract

Globally, social protection is an important aspect of creating a well-functioning labour market that promotes decent working conditions and alleviates poverty.1 Social protection is crucial in both living and working conditions; it protects individuals and families against socio-economic risks.2 Social security is an important component of social protection that encompasses a single scheme or a number of different schemes that are regulated at the national level to provide income benefits for various social risks and contingencies.3 In South Africa, social security rights flow directly from the Constitution. The South African Constitution states that everyone has the right to have access to social security, including appropriate social assistance should they be unable to support themselves and their dependants.4