Beyond the pandemic: unravelling the threads of poverty and inequality in South Africa

Chagan, Nikita

Beyond the pandemic: unravelling the threads of poverty and inequality in South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

School of Economics

Faculty

Faculty of Commerce

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the evolution of poverty and inequality in South Africa between 2009 and 2022, using General Household Survey data to measure changes across a 13-year period. A special emphasis is focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how lockdown measures and subsequent economic disruptions affected employment and income levels. The research uses a variety of analytical techniques, including Theil indices and Gini coefficients, to investigate differences across racial groupings, emphasising both between-group and within-group inequality. Additionally, poverty is quantified using the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) indices, which provide a more detailed knowledge of poverty dynamics. The data shows considerable variations in poverty levels during and after the pandemic, highlighting the underlying disparities that continue to impede South Africa's socioeconomic growth. This research contributes to the broader discourse on social protection and economic resilience in post-pandemic recovery efforts.