Understanding South Africa’s Care Regime
South Africa’s care regime encompasses the economic, social, and political structures that support caregiving in the country. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of caregiving in maintaining both economic stability and societal well-being. As families faced increased caregiving responsibilities due to school and childcare closures, it became evident that care work—both paid and unpaid—is fundamental to our collective resilience. This discussion document explores South Africa’s care regime, examining how care work intersects with issues like economic growth, gender equality, and social welfare.
Why the Care Economy Matters
The care economy is an essential yet undervalued part of South Africa’s broader economy. Care work, whether paid (like childcare and health services) or unpaid (such as household chores and elder care), underpins societal functions. It supports other sectors by allowing individuals to fully participate in the labor market, knowing that they and their dependents are cared for. However, persistent undervaluation of this work poses significant challenges: inadequate funding, limited accessibility, and the burden of caregiving on women, who make up the majority of unpaid caregivers. These challenges hinder economic participation and contribute to gender inequality.
Dimensions of Care Work in South Africa
Care work includes three main aspects: kinship and community caregiving, formal care for those with specific needs, and the societal value of care as a moral and relational imperative. Across these dimensions, the care economy sustains human relationships, maintains life, and enhances social cohesion. However, the societal and economic structures in place often underfund and underrecognize care work, particularly unpaid labor. Globally, unpaid caregiving contributes the equivalent of 9% of GDP, yet it remains economically invisible, a fact that reinforces both gendered norms and economic inequalities.
Towards a Transformative Care Policy
The document proposes pathways for a national care policy that acknowledges the interdependence of care and economic stability. By integrating an ethic of care into South African social policy, we can elevate the essential work of caregivers and address inequities rooted in race, gender, and economic status. Such a policy shift would not only promote inclusive growth but also ensure that caregiving receives the resources and respect it deserves, contributing to a just and cohesive society.
Conclusion
Building a care-focused social policy for South Africa requires recognizing care as central to economic and social life. By redefining the care economy’s role within national policy, we can foster an inclusive system that values both paid and unpaid caregiving and addresses critical issues such as gender inequality and access to quality care. This document is part of a broader series examining the care economy’s impact in the Global South, highlighting South Africa’s unique care regime and envisioning a policy landscape that supports and values caregiving as the foundation of a thriving society.