Policy addressing poverty

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) plays a pivotal role in shaping policies aimed at eradicating poverty across various levels—local, regional, national, and global. Through its research centres and collaborative initiatives, UJ contributes to the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies designed to address poverty in all its dimensions.

Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA)

Established in 2004, the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) at UJ is a leading research institution dedicated to addressing issues of poverty, inequality, and social development. The CSDA engages in rigorous research, policy analysis, and community engagement to inform and influence social policies.

• Revision of the White Paper on Families (WPF): In 2021, the CSDA made a significant policy contribution by supporting the revision of South Africa’s White Paper on Families. This involved an extensive consultation process with national, provincial, and district Departments of Social Development, other government entities, and civil society representatives. The revised WPF adopts a more inclusive perspective on family structures, moving away from an overemphasis on the nuclear family to acknowledge the diversity of family forms in South Africa. It promotes family well-being through a holistic policy approach that considers economic empowerment as a critical component, recognising that families require basic resources and assets to function effectively. This shift from a family preservation approach to a focus on family well-being reflects a broader understanding of the factors that contribute to familial resilience and stability.
• Research on Poverty, Inequality, and Social Exclusion: The CSDA has conducted comprehensive studies examining the multifaceted nature of poverty and inequality in South Africa. These studies provide valuable insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by various demographics and inform policy recommendations aimed at fostering social inclusion and economic equity. For instance, the research report titled “Poverty, Inequality and Social Exclusion in South Africa: A Systematic Assessment of Key Policies, Strategies and Flagship Programmes” critically analyses existing policies and offers evidence-based suggestions for enhancing their effectiveness. 

Collaborative Efforts and Policy Engagements

UJ actively collaborates with governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations, and international institutions to influence and develop policies targeting poverty alleviation.

• World Bank Collaboration: UJ has partnered with the World Bank and South Africa’s National Planning Commission Secretariat to assess the drivers, constraints, and opportunities related to poverty and inequality in the country. This collaboration resulted in the report “Overcoming Poverty and Inequality in South Africa: An Assessment of Drivers, Constraints and Opportunities,” which offers a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic landscape and proposes strategic interventions to address identified challenges. The report underscores the importance of labour markets in reducing poverty and inequality and highlights the need for inclusive economic growth.
• Policy Advocacy and Public Discourse: UJ engages in policy advocacy by organising seminars, workshops, and public lectures that address pressing issues related to poverty and social development. These platforms facilitate dialogue among policymakers, academics, and community stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment for developing innovative solutions to poverty-related challenges. Through these engagements, UJ contributes to shaping public discourse and influencing policy directions at multiple governance levels.

Recognition and Impact

UJ’s unwavering commitment to combating poverty has garnered international recognition. The university was named the world’s leading institution in the fight against poverty, reflecting its substantial impact through research, policy development, and community engagement. This accolade underscores UJ’s dedication to creating meaningful change and its role as a thought leader in poverty alleviation efforts. 

In summary, the University of Johannesburg actively contributes to policy formulation and implementation aimed at eradicating poverty. Through its research initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and policy advocacy, UJ addresses the complex dimensions of poverty, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Policy Engagement

“In 2021 the CSDA’s major policy contribution was to support the revision of the White Paper on Families (WPF). The CSDA is proud to have made a meaningful contribution to a policy framework that takes a more inclusive view of families in South Africa.

Following an extensive consultation process that included representatives from the national, provincial and district Departments of Social Development; representatives from other government departments; and civil society representatives, the revised White Paper provides a policy approach that promotes family well-being and strengthens and support families, no matter their formation.

The revised WPF celebrates the diversity of family types and makes recommendations that are suitable to promoting family well-being over the family life course regardless of family type. This is a major improvement as the previous version was criticised for over-emphasising the nuclear family, which is not the norm in South Africa.

The new WPF takes a much broader policy approach. Rather than focusing only on the social services required to support families in crisis as was done in the past, the new paper notes that all sectors need to take into account how policy and programming can support family well-being. This shift means a policy approach that takes a much broader view of what family well-being encompasses. As outlined in strategic priority 1, the economic empowerment of families is critical, families need basic resources and assets to function well.

The revised version also moves away from a family preservation approach to a family well-being approach and critically interrogates what needs to be done to promote family well-being. This is a departure from the previous version which placed a lot of emphasis on family dysfunction. This version moves towards considering what a promotive environment for family well-being and family strengthening looks like.

This new version also takes a family life-course approach noting that families need to be supported through multiple transitions in the family life course. While this may (but also may not) include raising children, it also includes caring for adult family members (in times of illness, or when family members have a disability that requires additional care, and as family members age), and choosing to enter into long-term partnerships or marriage.

Altogether the revision to the White Paper on Families provides a more holistic policy approach that takes into account South African family structures, available services and the economic climate to provide an approach that focused on supporting and promoting family well-being.”