This piece of research forms part of a larger research project undertaken by the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII) to compile a measurement matrix of progressive realization of the socio-economic rights enshrined in the South African Constitution. Towards this outcome, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) is appointed to undertake a review of housing policy in South Africa since 1996.

This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the policy developments for social security before and after 1994. This analysis enables an assessment to be made on how far the constitutional obligation to progressively realise the right to social security and social assistance for those who can’t provide for themselves has been realised, and the extent to which this obligation has in fact driven the policy making process.

This research report has two broad thrusts. It firstly reviews some of the main policies which seek to alleviate and eventually eradicate poverty and its causes and , secondly , the report provides a budget and benefit incidence analysis which puts a spotlight on the figures behind the policies. Five departments were chosen as the subject of the poverty audit review and they are the national and provincial departments of education, health, housing , social development and transport. The reasons for the choice of the latter department are set out elsewhere in this report.