We examine the effect of racial diversity on child stunting and underweight in post-apartheid South Africa, which has a strong history of systemic racial segregation. Using five waves of longitudinal data from the National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS), and employing instrumental variable and propensity score matching methods, we find that racial diversity significantly reduces child stunting and underweight. This result is consistent across alternative measures of racial diversity, child stunting and underweight, and is also robust to different endogeneity-correction methods. The negative effect of racial diversity on child stunting and underweight is more pronounced among children under 5 years of age. Further analyses highlight increased employment opportunities, food expenditure per capita and financial inclusion as important channels through which racial diversity decreases stunting and underweight. We discuss the policy implications of these findings.
Isaac Koomson, Clifford Afoakwah, Martinson Ankrah Twumasi
AbstractCovid-19 posed little danger to children. Nevertheless, the South African government imposed lockdown measures that impeded children’s education, play and food. Schools were closed, feeding schemes were halted and organised sports were banned. In this study of South African children’s experience during the 2020–22 pandemic, we use the capabilities approach, particularly Nussbaum’s ten capabilities, to assess how the lockdown measures affected their development. The one-dimensional nature of the government response was evident in its focus on physical health and safeguarding adults and the health system, at the expense of children’s well-being. Children were masked and their voices were not heard. Despite being far less at risk of illness or death than adults, children and young people were disproportionately affected by government regulations. Children from low-income environments were particularly severely affected.
Lochner Marais, Abraham Matamanda, Frances Gbadegesin et al.
The South African family well-being is compromised by issues of child neglect, paternal absence, and gender-based violence (GBV), among other issues. The institution of family and its well-being are undergoing significant transformations globally, and South Africa is not exempt from these changes and challenges. Furthermore, the impacts of globalisation and urbanisation have forced many families to relocate from their native communities, driven by economic, political, and social motivations. From a Christian theological perspective God ordains families for flourishing; love, unity, and provision reflect His will through care (Psalm 127:1; Joshua 24:15; Ephesians 5:25). As familial structures and dynamics develop, their well being may adapt to remain relevant to societal needs, deliver effective care, and function as a social buffer against these detrimental and destructive issues. This research explored these realities through an interdisciplinary lens, recognising that improving family well-being requires collaboration between different disciplines. Drawing on contemporary theories and frameworks, it highlighted culturally responsive, contextually grounded, and strength-based approaches to understanding and supporting families in crisis. The discussion emphasised the importance of integrating professional practice, community-based support, and policy reform to promote protective and nurturing environments for children. Situating the South African experience within a global perspective, the research offered insights into how evidence-informed and collaborative interventions can enhance resilience, restore family functioning, and build more equitable systems of care. Ultimately, it called for collective responsibility and innovative, multidisciplinary responses to address the persistent social and structural factors threatening South African children and families’ well-being.
Purpose This study aims to investigate the livelihood approaches, socio-economic effects and challenges related to informal waste collection, focusing on informal women waste collectors in rural QwaQwa, South Africa. It addresses gaps in gender and rural–urban divides by positioning these women as active place-makers who, through their daily practices, transform marginalised rural spaces into cleaner, more functional and resilient environments. This spatial agency supports household survival, inclusive rural development, and reduced vulnerability while advancing circular economy principles. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) and place-making theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through focus group discussions, interviews, field observations and secondary sources and analysed thematically. Findings Informal waste collection serves as a vital livelihood strategy for women in rural QwaQwa, driven by poverty and unemployment. Leveraging social networks, local knowledge and child collaboration, these women generate income and contribute to sustainable waste management. Critically, their everyday practices of waste recovery actively reshape rural landscapes, reducing illegal dumping, improving public spaces and fostering environmental stewardship, positioning them as unrecognised place-makers. However, earnings remain insufficient for resilient livelihoods, and they face significant challenges including resource scarcity, institutional neglect, social stigma, child labour concerns and exposure to violence. Research limitations/implications This research examines rural QwaQwa as a case study, limiting the generalisability of its findings to other rural areas in South Africa and beyond. Nonetheless, it provides insights into women’s roles in informal waste collection, its impact on livelihoods and the relevance of the SLF in analysing gendered livelihood systems. The integration of SLF and place-making theory provides a novel lens for understanding how marginalised women exercise spatial agency to build more sustainable rural places. Practical implications The study highlights the need for policy changes to integrate women who collect waste informally into formal waste management systems. Providing equipment, infrastructure and capacity-building programmes enhances their income, productivity and safety while reducing exploitation. Empowering these women supports rural livelihoods and promotes poverty alleviation, gender equity and environmental stewardship through initiatives like formal registration and participatory policy forums. Social implications The results highlight significant societal issues like stigma, gender inequality and child labour. Addressing these through awareness campaigns, social protection programmes and inclusive governance can enhance the dignity and well-being of women in the informal sector. Originality/value This study makes a novel contribution by foregrounding rural contexts and demonstrating the interconnectedness of informal waste collection, gender, livelihoods and place-making in QwaQwa. Guided by the SLF and place-making theory, it reveals how women transform passive survival strategies into active processes of spatial transformation, generating income alongside broader social and environmental value. This nexus offers a framework for reducing vulnerability and promoting inclusive rural development.
