GOLTC Care and Social Protection in Southern Africa Interest Group webinar

Date: 31 May 2024

Time: 12:00–13:30 BST

In this webinar we heard from three experts who have extensive knowledge on social protection and pensions in the (southern) African context. Several countries in the region have invested significantly in non-contributory pension programmes albeit in different ways. Whilst fiscal conditions constrain or facilitate redistributive welfare programmes, such as pensions, other political and social factors play a critical role in shaping the presence and value of pensions.  The seminar attempts to give an overview of the changes in pension reform by drawing on some case studies from the region.  Given the critical role that pensions play in providing security for older persons and their households, the speakers offer reflections on the sustainability and future of state pensions in changing financial, demographic and political contexts.

The webinar covers:

1. Introduction to the Global Observatory of Long-Term care and welcome (Adelina Comas-Herrera, Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, LSE, UK).

2. Introduction to the GOLTC Care and Social Protection in Southern Africa Interest Group, Professor Elena Moore, The Family caregiving Programme, University of Cape Town

3. Presentation: The history and future of pensions in Southern and East Africa Prof Jeremy Seekings, University of Cape Town

4. Presentation: The Impact of Old Age Pension on the Quality of life of Older Persons in Botswana, Prof Odireleng Shehu, University of Botswana)

5.  Presentation: Legacies of Labor Repression and Pension Reforms in Malawi, Dr. Yonatan Morse, University of Connecticut, USA.

6.  Discussion about the Interest Group next steps led by Professor Elena Moore, The Family caregiving Programme, University of Cape Town