Social activities, basic services and support to vulnerable groups: responses to the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa: chapter 5.1.3: interim country report

Vulnerability is a multifaceted dilemma, influenced by complex social, economic and environmental processes. This chapter reviews vulnerabilities that existed among people in South Africa before the Covid-19 pandemic and assesses the extent to which the pandemic exacerbated these vulnerabilities. It discusses the socio-economic context of vulnerable and marginalised groups and describes the available social protection measures. It then turns to peoples basic needs and the way these were affected by the pandemic. Particular attention is paid to refugees and migrants, an especially vulnerable group largely excluded from government support. This chapter finds that Covid-19 has exposed and broadened vulnerabilities, increasing several risk factors, including access to water, healthcare and food. These impacts have been felt most strongly by women, children, elderly and disabled people, as well as refugees and migrants. Overall, though, it is clear that more nuanced data across a range of scales is needed in order to accurately assess the impact of Covid-19 on the governments social activities and basic services.