Poverty is one of the major threats to the realization of children's rights worldwide and in South Africa. Currently, 66% of South African children live in severe poverty. This places all other rights at risk; the rights guaranteed by the South African Constitution and by the UN Convention. Poverty and inequality in South Africa continue to worsen. These are particularly vulnerable groups of children, such as those infected and affected by HIV/AIDs, those living on the streets, children of farm workers and illegal immigrants. These children face discrimination, isolation and extreme hardship. The article wants to investigate the situation in South Africa and what the outcome is on the right to social security of the child. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)