Tag: social security

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) could be used to improve access to justice in South Africa for socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Access to courts is a constitutional right, but access to justice is a concept which goes beyond the availability of the court process. It refers to different methods by which an individual may obtain legal assistance.

Although welcomed by South Africa, refugees and asylum seekers encounter a number of obstacles when they want to exercise their rights with regard to international law, the South African Constitution and refugee law. My doctoral study entailed a comprehensive analysis of the law and state practice on the integration of refugees in South Africa.

South Africa’s retirement outcomes will improve radically if all retirement funding contributions are kept invested when fund members change jobs. Other quick wins include increasing the minimum government pension; delaying the government retirement age beyond 60 years; and refocusing the industry from saving a lump sum at retirement to providing a sustainable income in retirement.

Proposed changes to the Pensions Funds Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance, which will allow retirement fund members to access a portion of their retirement savings in cash before retirement as a guarantee for a loan, should be viewed with caution.

Minister Pravin Gordhan and his team at National Treasury should be praised for striking the correct fiscal balance in this year’s budget. Gordhan understands...