Social Security in South Africa: Overview of Developments — Historical Perspectives

by | Mar 30, 2025 | ILJ, ILJ V46 I2

Social Security in South Africa: Overview of Developments — Historical Perspectives

Author Marius Olivier

ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations: Honorary Professor, Faculty of Law, Nelson Mandela University; Extraordinary Professor, Faculty of Law, North-West University; Adjunct-Professor, School of Law, University of Western Australia; BA LLB (Pret), LLD (Unisa)
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 46 Issue 2, 2025, p. 847 – 870
https://doi.org/10.47348/ILJ/v46/i2a7

Abstract

This contribution concerns an assessment of the historical development of formalised social security in South Africa. It firstly provides a historical overview of the development of non-contributory social security (social assistance) in accordance with distinct time periods, noting that initial non-state interventions have gradually been augmented and with time displaced by initially restrictive but later expanding arrangements serving particular categories of the poor. Until 1993 racial inequality remained a distinct hallmark of social assistance provisioning, the removal of which resulted in an exceptionally comprehensive system of state support with powerful direct and indirect, distributional impact. Secondly, historical perspectives on the development of contributory social security (social insurance) are reflected on, per risk category. Key risk benefit categories (in old age, unemployment, occupational injuries and diseases, health care, sickness, maternity, disability, and dependants’ domains) have incrementally been captured in public and private contributory arrangements, and coverage progressively extended to include mostly vulnerable workers, the majority of whom are Africans. Finally, and in conclusion, an overall assessment of historical developments is provided. An integrated and calibrated social security system is still lacking, while significant gaps remain, both system- and institutionally wise. Key categories of vulnerable persons, notably the long-term unemployed and informal economy and self-employed workers, remain largely excluded. A shift from non-state and private provisioning to larger, public scheme arrangements has been discernible, but uneven: among others, the establishment of the envisaged National Social Security Fund has yet to materialise.

Deviations from Design: Regulating Strikes in a Land of Unrest

by | Mar 30, 2025 | ILJ, ILJ V46 I2

Deviations from Design: Regulating Strikes in a Land of Unrest

Author Clive Thompson

ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations: Director, CoSolve
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 46 Issue 2, 2025, p. 871 – 898
https://doi.org/10.47348/ILJ/v46/i2a8

Abstract

Strike action has played a pivotal role in advancing and securing the socio-economic interests of workers in South Africa, first for white workers, then for black. Rights were won only in the aftermath of serious and sustained labour unrest, for white workers in the twenties, for black workers fifty years later. None of the legislative attempts at modulation ever quite went to plan, and the degree of deviation has arguably increased across the decades. The Industrial Conciliation Act 11 of 1924 set out to institutionalise conflict in respect of the favoured class of workers while ignoring the majority. But eventually demographics, international pressure and a groundswell of political and industrial resistance obliged the minority government from the late seventies and into the eighties to open an adjusted but unstable labour relations system to all. The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) heralded a modern regime of great promise. That potential has not been realised under the weight of accumulated historical disadvantage and grievance, and the inability of the new constitutional and political order to repel corruption, violence and incompetence. It is difficult to see how the objects of the 1995 Act can be realised if — among other weighty challenges — the social parties cannot find a way to grow more co-operative, productive and competitive workplaces. Ironically, the voluntary suspension of the hard-fought right to strike might need to feature as part of any workplace culture reset.

Analysis of the Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Employment Relationships in South Africa: Ethical Implications for Workers’ Rights, Privacy and Policy Frameworks

by | Jan 12, 2025 | ILJ, ILJ V46 I1

Analysis of the Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Employment Relationships in South Africa: Ethical Implications for Workers’ Rights, Privacy and Policy Frameworks

Authors Professor Franaaz Khan & Kirstin Hagglund

ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations: rofessor, Department of Private Law, University of Johannesburg; LLB, LLM, PhD (UKZN); LLD Candidate, Stellenbosch University; LLB, LLM (cum laude)
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 46 Issue 1, 2025, p. 1 – 28
https://doi.org/10.47348/ILJ/v46/i1a1

Abstract

The sharp rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically changed the employer and employee relationship. The advantages are, for example, an increase in efficiency and improved decision making. However, it has also given rise to challenges relating to ethical and policy issues, primarily regarding privacy, bias, accountability, and job safety. AI systems rely on datasets. These datasets include sensitive personal information that can raise privacy concerns within a working environment. Another concern is bias in AI algorithms, which can unwittingly perpetuate discrimination. This may result in unfair outcomes in respect of hiring, performance assessments, and promotions that would solidify disparities in the workplace. In addition, the computerisation of tasks through AI poses threats to job security, as it could disrupt workers’ stability. These ethical concerns compel employers and policymakers to alleviate the negative consequences of AI. This article addresses the ethical implications of AI in the workplace, with a focus on South African labour law. It discusses current relevant legislation, such as the Labour Relations Act, to assess its efficacy in addressing AI-related issues as well as the new National Artificial Intelligence Framework Policy 2024. A comparative analysis of AI legislation in the European Union and United States is also included in which best practices are identified. The article suggests a balanced regulatory approach that supports innovation while providing clear guidelines to protect employee rights and maintain fairness.

Note: The Influence of Disability Models on the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service

by | Jan 12, 2025 | ILJ, ILJ V46 I1

Notes: The Influence of Disability Models on the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service

Authors CJ Tchawouo Mbiada & MA Nkosi

ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations: Senior Lecturer, Department of Mercantile and Private Law, University of Venda; Deputy Director: Employee Health and Wellness, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; LLB, LLM (UNISA), LLD Candidate (UNISA)
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 46 Issue 1, 2025, p. 29 – 43
https://doi.org/10.47348/ILJ/v46/i1a2

Abstract

In 2005 and subsequently the government adopted a social model of disabilities with the aim that the public service should comprise at least 2% of persons with disabilities (PWDs), thus distancing itself from past practices under the apartheid regime that ostracised PWDs from the mainstream economy and society. Yet almost two decades later, the government is yet to achieve this target. The note examines different models of disability to ascertain whether they may account for this failure. It argues that despite adopting the social model, government’s adherence in practice to the previous medical model accounts for its failure to meet the 2% target of employment of PWDs.

Case Notes: The Making of a ‘Modern’ Trade Union: Simunye Workers Forum v Registrar of Labour Relations (2023) 44 ILJ 2021 (LC)

by | Jan 12, 2025 | ILJ, ILJ V46 I1

Case Notes: The Making of a ‘Modern’ Trade Union: Simunye Workers Forum v Registrar of Labour Relations (2023) 44 ILJ 2021 (LC)

Author Marlese von Broembsen

ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations: Associate Professor of Law, Centre for the Transformative Regulation of Work (CENTROW), University of the Western Cape; Senior Researcher in Labour Rights, Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO); BA (Stell), LLB (UCT), MA (UWC), LLM (Harv), PhD (UCT)
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 46 Issue 1, 2025, p. 44 – 59
https://doi.org/10.47348/ILJ/v46/i1a3

Abstract

In Simunye Workers Forum v Registrar of Labour Relations the court considers whether trade unions established by non-standard workers must conform to a traditional trade union structure in order to be registered as a trade union. It is argued that the court’s generous interpretation of s 95 of the LRA is correct in the light of Bader Bop and the jurisprudence of the ILO supervisory mechanisms on the conventions that apply to non-standard workers. Moreover, it is contended that a restrictive interpretation of s 95 would contravene international law and the spirit, purpose and objectives of s 23 of the Constitution and of s 8 of the LRA.

Case Notes: Employment after a Criminal Conviction — A Hope for Prospective Employees with Previous Criminal Records? An Analysis of O’Connor v LexisNexis (Pty) Ltd (2024) 45 ILJ 1287 (LC)

by | Jan 12, 2025 | ILJ, ILJ V46 I1

Case Notes: Employment after a Criminal Conviction — A Hope for Prospective Employees with Previous Criminal Records? An Analysis of O’Connor v LexisNexis (Pty) Ltd (2024) 45 ILJ 1287 (LC)

Author Simphiwe P Phungula

ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations: Senior Lecturer, Department of Commercial Law, University of Cape Town; LLB, LLM, PhD (UKZN)
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 46 Issue 1, 2025, p. 59 – 72
https://doi.org/10.47348/ILJ/v46/i1a4

Abstract

Unfair discrimination is a historical and current issue facing South Africa that tends to reveal itself in the workplace. Since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, the South African legislature has dynamically tried to suppress this negative force through the adoption of legislation, codes, rules, and regulations, which are designed to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment of individuals in employment. However, individuals with previous criminal records may still be excluded from employment in certain circumstances. In terms of the law, employers are free not to consider an employee for a position if having a clean criminal record is inherent to job requirements. The question to be asked is when will the employer be allowed to conduct a criminal background check and bar a prospective employee from being appointed to a job without violating the prohibition on unfair discrimination? This case note answers the question by analysing the competing interests of both the employer and employee and the application of law in the circumstances.