Family policy in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa, like many other African countries, does not have an explicit family policy. What the country has, though, is an enabling legislative and policy framework. This chapter discusses this framework within three broad categories: that targeting marriage, that related to child-rearing and work-family balance and that aimed at supporting families at risk. It is shown that the latter, provided in the form of social grants, is the government's key initiative in addressing the livelihood challenges of vulnerable family members, specifically older person, children and people with disabilities. The social assistance system is not, however, without weakness and challenges. These are discussed and the recommendations to address them are proposed.