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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The dualist approach to social security in developing countries: perspectives from China and South Africa
Authors:Mpedi, L. GeorgeISNI
Darimont, Barbara A.ISNI
Year:2007
Periodical:Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:22
Issue:1
Pages:9-33
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:South Africa
China
Southern Africa
Subjects:social security
elderly
care of the aged
Economics, Commerce
dual economy
Economic security
developing countries
Abstract:China and South Africa, particularly when viewed from a social security perspective, share certain similarities. Both countries have underdeveloped social security systems. Their social security schemes have a limited scope of coverage and the benefits provided are often insufficient. Consequently, informal coping mechanisms have emerged in both countries as an essential component of the social security system. Focusing on old age as a social risk, the authors compare the social security systems of China and South Africa, looking at the constitutional context, social assistance and social insurance, and informal social security. In South Africa the South African Social Assistance Act (Act 13 of 2004) provides for a number of tax-financed as well as means-tested grants, including the older persons grant, the war veterans' grant and the grant-in-aid. The old-age grant is the country's largest social assistance programme and, despite the numerous points of criticism which can be levelled against it, it is essential for shielding the older members of the population against social risks such as poverty. South Africa has no national or public retirement fund regime. Financial security in old age is largely secured through private retirement funds. The insurance-based old age schemes, like the non-contributory schemes, have their own shortcomings. Kinship-based coping strategies and informal transfers, common in both China and South Africa, play an important role in shielding older people against a variety of social risks. Informal social security in South Africa is deeply embedded in African traditional values, such as 'ubuntu'. In addressing the question of how to extend social security coverage and how informal social security can contribute to this endeavour, the prime aim is not to formalize informal social security systems but rather to achieve better social protection for all citizens. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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