The welfare function of the South African government before and after apartheid

Abstract

Changing social-economic tendencies such as industrialisation and urbanisation, followed by poverty and a housing need, have since the turn of the century affected the social function of the South African govenunent. The welfare function amongst whites was carried out in the spirit of Afrikaner nationalism, although the government reflected an ideology of white reunification and reconciliation. For the first five decades of the twentieth century, the predominant focus of government was to follow a residual welfare approach. Research was done in welfare and they catered for white welfare services. Although the welfare function for the other population groups was not totally absent, the government was clearly reluctant to promote it.

Legal apartheid since 1948 entrenched the Cinderella focus of the government regarding welfare. Social welfare services, among others, were divided between several government departments, while a distinction was made between departments for whites, blacks, Coloureds and Indians. The financial implications were alarming. Naturally the effect was felt by everyone, considering that less was available for certain groups than would have been the case if one departmental welfare structure was responsible for everyone.