To  consider  social  security  in  South  Africa  we  have  to  consider  a  number  of factors  simultaneously,  and  this process  may well  challenge  the  aspirations  that we  might  wish  to  have  of  where  our  country  and  our  people  should  have  been economically  and  socially  seventeen  years  into  our  democracy.    It  is  hoped, however, that we are able to adopt, in this consideration, the necessary boldness of  thought  and  vision  required  to  do  justice  to  the  vision  and  directives  of  the Constitution  of  South  Africa  as  we  continue  to  strive  to  heal  the  wounds  of  the past   and   build   the   future   as   required   by   the   Founding   Principles   of   the Constitution of South Africa.

Full document: Social Security Briefing Paper for the National Planning Commission, April 2011