Reinforcing Inequality: First 100 Days of South African COVID-19 Policy

The aim of this chapter is to examine the effects of the pandemic on socio-economic justice in South Africa, using the consequences of national policy choices prior to, and during, the first 100 days of the outbreak of COVID-19. It traverses issues pertaining to democratic governance and social activism; surveillance and security; economic policy; the labour market; health infrastructure; and the education sector. Based on an analysis of the inequality within the nation entrenched by a neoliberal period, commencing post-independence, it is proposed that the State must depart from a neo-liberal stance and adopt urgent pro-poor and human rights based resource allocation measures to the greatest extent possible to promote, respect, protect and fulfil fundamental human rights. Importantly, this involves reprioritising and streamlining budget considerations across the indigent sectors resulting from the pandemic. Moreover, we propose potential post-pandemic policies within these areas which may assist in guiding South Africa out of its precarious economic position.