South Africa’s social and solidarity economy: Alignment of the policy with national, regional and international frameworks

This report evaluates South Africa’s Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Policy against national, regional and international frameworks on which the South African government is committed to delivering, or to which it is a signatory. The SSE Policy draft Green Paper provides a coherent approach towards the development of this sector, which encompasses the spectrum of economic activities that build solidarity, social inclusion and cohesion while addressing social and environmental needs. The organizations that make up the social and solidarity economy range from stokvels, societies, cooperatives (including cooperative finance institutions) and social enterprises. The SSE Policy embodies the values and principles of the sector through a focus on solidarity, social cohesion and reciprocity. In particular, it aims to grow the impact of the social and solidarity economy regarding reduced inequalities and redistribution. The SSE sector supports people who are often marginalized from society, including women, young people, long-term unemployed people and people with disabilities.

Author: Jens Dyring Christensen, ILO