SSL2601
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 15 APRIL 2025
, SSL2601
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 15 April 2025
Social Security Law
Temporary State Intervention for the Thabatshweu Community During an
Emergency
The community of Thabatshweu, located in the Eastern Free State, is experiencing a
humanitarian crisis due to severe thunderstorms that have caused substantial damage
to property and livelihoods. The residents already face high levels of unemployment and
rely on social security benefits. With their homes and belongings destroyed, the
question arises as to whether the state has a duty to provide temporary intervention.
1. The Right to Social Security in the Constitution
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, guarantees the right to social
security under Section 27(1)(c). It states that “everyone has the right to have access to
social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their
dependants, appropriate social assistance.” Further, Section 27(2) obliges the state to
take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to
achieve the progressive realisation of this right.
Given that the Thabatshweu residents are in a vulnerable state — without shelter, food,
or basic needs — they fall within the group that the Constitution aims to protect. The
principle of dignity, as enshrined in Section 10, also supports the need for temporary
relief to ensure basic living conditions during an emergency.
2. Social Assistance Measures Available in Emergencies
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 15 APRIL 2025
, SSL2601
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 15 April 2025
Social Security Law
Temporary State Intervention for the Thabatshweu Community During an
Emergency
The community of Thabatshweu, located in the Eastern Free State, is experiencing a
humanitarian crisis due to severe thunderstorms that have caused substantial damage
to property and livelihoods. The residents already face high levels of unemployment and
rely on social security benefits. With their homes and belongings destroyed, the
question arises as to whether the state has a duty to provide temporary intervention.
1. The Right to Social Security in the Constitution
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, guarantees the right to social
security under Section 27(1)(c). It states that “everyone has the right to have access to
social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their
dependants, appropriate social assistance.” Further, Section 27(2) obliges the state to
take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to
achieve the progressive realisation of this right.
Given that the Thabatshweu residents are in a vulnerable state — without shelter, food,
or basic needs — they fall within the group that the Constitution aims to protect. The
principle of dignity, as enshrined in Section 10, also supports the need for temporary
relief to ensure basic living conditions during an emergency.
2. Social Assistance Measures Available in Emergencies
