Paper short abstract:

What critical role can social policy play in the face of an unprecedented crisis brought by Covid-19? This is a critical question which this paper addresses as it provides a critical analysis of Zimbabwe’s response to the pandemic, arguing for a rethink of the social policy regime.

Paper long abstract:

Zimbabwe, like other countries in the global south has for years been burdened by the challenges of persistent poverty and inequality. In response to these challenges, it has developed progressive social policies aimed at protecting the poor and reducing vulnerabilities. In 2020 the situation became complicated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has posed an unprecedented threat to humanity. Covid-19 has disrupted everyday life and livelihoods with indications that it would take time for the situation to normalise. Zimbabwe initially had a few confirmed Covid-19 positive cases and fatalities, but upward trajectories have been witnessed. Despite having a challenging socio-economic and political environment, the country has come up with measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, but what is clear is that there exists ‘a crisis within a crisis.’ This paper critically analyses the country’s response to Covid-19, focusing on the critical role of social policy. It shows that the unprecedented situation which the country finds itself in, provides an opportunity to rediscover the transformational role which social policy can play in providing welfare and social protection to citizens.