Expanding the basic social income grant faces obstacles

Amid calls for an expanded basic income grant in South Africa, its ultimate future hangs in the balance, complicated by systemic challenges, financial constraints and ongoing government deliberations.

- Enkosi Selane

Although President Cyril Ramaphosa hinted at the potential of expanding the grants during the ANC 8 January statement this year, multiple obstacles are in the way of implementing such a social relief measure.

A basic income grant represents a government commitment to provide a minimal income to all citizens without means tests or work requirements.

The primary goal is to alleviate poverty, promote economic growth and support job creation, education and health initiatives.

Political parties like Good and civil society organisations such as the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute have long advocated for a basic income grant of R1 268 - nearly four times the social relief of distress (SRD) grant.