South African case study on social exclusion

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Social exclusion is a dynamic, multidimensional phenomenon. Driven by unequal power relationships, it excludes groups of people in particular contexts from engaging fully in community or social life. Many of South Africa's post-apartheid policies and programmes have been directed at correcting historical injustices responsible for social exclusion, yet inequalities remain rampant. Based on a review of local and international literature on the social determinants of health and interviews with key individuals in civil society, academics and senior officials in national ministries, this study explores factors that enable or constrain the implementation of policies and programmes that address social exclusion. Three government programmes were investigated and analysed in detail: free health care, child support grants and the Gauteng Bana Pele (Children First) Programme. The insightful analysis and clear recommendations presented here are particularly interesting to social scientists, international agencies and government ministries whose work concerns health equity. This study was conducted by the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme of the Human Sciences Research Council under the auspices of the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Determinants of Health as part of the Social Exclusion Knowledge Network (SEKN).

Dr Laetitia Rispel is currently with the Centre for Health Policy in the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. Dr Rispel is also a former executive director of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Prior to joining the HSRC, Dr Rispel was the head of the Gauteng Health Department. She has extensive academic and research experience, and her research interests include HIV/AIDS, health systems, public health, and gender.

Boitumelo Molomo is a former intern in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme at the Human Sciences Research Council. She is currently with ESKOM.

Sellinah Dumela is a former Research Manager in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme at the Human Sciences Research Council. She is currently with the Limpopo Department of Health.