Johannesburg, South Africa – [10 March 2025] – Black Sash, in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), is proud to announce an important two-day convening focused on advancing the Social Protection Floor (SPF) in South Africa. The event kicks off today in Boksburg, Gauteng and brings together key stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, trade unionists, academics, and social protection experts, to engage in dialogue and action aimed at strengthening the country’s social protection framework.
The National Development Plan in 2012 proposed that South Africa should work towards a definition of the social protection floor (SPF). A SPF is a comprehensive, rights-based framework aimed at ensuring that all individuals enjoy access to essential services and income for all people. A SPF includes elements such as healthcare including maternity care; basic income security for children providing access to nutrition, education, care and necessary goods and services, basic income security for persons of active age who are unable to earn sufficient income and basic income security for older persons and persons with disabilities. These guarantees should enable access to key services such education and housing, contributing to reducing poverty and inequality.
This convening will provide a platform for broadening understanding and building a consensus on different elements of the SPF. South has many of the elements in place, such as income support for children, elderly and persons with disabilities, however this support is targeted and not universal. The participants will also discuss strategies to implement and expand the SPF, ensuring that all persons living in South Africa are covered by basic social protection systems.
Key highlights of the convening include:
- Panel Discussions and Presentations: Leading experts will explore the role of the Social Protection Floor in achieving the development goals of the NDP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on inclusive social policies that address current gaps.
- Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Interactive sessions designed to promote collaborative discussions on the technical and operational aspects of social protection policies considering basic income, basic services, education, health and nutrition as the foundational elements to start defining a social protection floor, including best practices and challenges faced in implementation.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The event will provide opportunities for networking and engaging with diverse sectors, including government officials, international organizations, and civil society representatives to work as a collective towards defining Social Protection Floor so that all in South Africa can live with dignity
“The Social Protection Floor is essential to reducing vulnerability and promoting dignity for all South Africans,” said Rachel Bukasa, Executive Director of Black Sash. “This convening is an opportunity to bring together diverse voices and expertise to create meaningful change and contribute to a more equitable future.”
Bukasa added that through this partnership with the NPC and ILO, “we hope to foster constructive dialogue that leads to actionable steps towards realizing the SPF for all living in South Africa.”
Alexio Musindo, Director ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa emphasized the need for implementing Recommendations on Social Protection Floors adopted by ILO Member States in 2012 and ratifying ILO Conventions related to social protection, particularly Convention No.102 on Social Security is crucial to strengthening commitments and ensuring accountability.
“These instruments provide a clear framework for designing and implementing comprehensive social protection systems that align with international labour standards,” added Musindo.
The speaker from the National Planning Commission, Commissioner Phakama Ntshongwana will highlight government priorities and the importance of a coordinated approach to social protection in achieving the national development goals.
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About Black Sash: Black Sash is a human rights organization committed to advancing social justice in South Africa. The organization works to promote access to essential services, particularly social protection, through advocacy, legal support, and public awareness campaigns.
About the National Planning Commission (NPC): The National Planning Commission of South Africa is tasked with supporting the country’s long-term development strategy, working to ensure that policies and initiatives promote the well-being of all citizens through sustainable economic and social development.
About the International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to promote social justice and fair labour practices worldwide. It advocates for the development of inclusive and sustainable social protection systems as essential components of social and economic development.
For media inquiries and interviews contact:
Oliver Meth, Black Sash Communications & Media Manager, 068 352 9045, oliver@blacksash.org.za
Tsepho Mohatle, International Labour Organization Media Liaison, 079 554 2886, mohatle@ilo.org
Zarina Rahman, National Planning Commission Media Liaison, 082 345 2919, zarina@dpme.gov.za
