Poverty, inequality, and unemployment are some of the many socio-economic challenges that are faced by many. As a result, the government plans to introduce the Basic Income Grant (BIG) as a form of social assistance that will address the challenges that affect the most vulnerable in society.
With the current surge in consumer inflation, food and transportation costs have spiked putting further strain on the economy and the livelihoods of millions. Many households are unable to keep up with their minimum needs and the constant increase in standard of living in South Africa.
As a measure to provide relief and to help people who are in need, government is proposing the introduction of the Basic Income Grant, which would provide income support for individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who are struggling, unemployed and don’t have any social assistance.
Social Transformation Subcommittee Chairperson, Lindiwe Sisulu has confirmed that the basic income grant is on the table and many discussions regarding the grant has taken place.
Sisulu made the announcement during her speech at the African National Congress (ANC) policy conference in Johannesburg this past week weekend.
“We were the committee that actually made it possible for us to provide people with the R350 grant. We realised that it was possible to go beyond that and deal with the basic income grant,” said Sisulu.
The R350 Grant was introduced during lockdown and the pandemic as an interim measure to sustain people who were in need.
Sisulu added that the committee is hopeful that the R350 grant can be extended and expanded as the basic income grant to continue assisting the most vulnerable in society.
“We had several meetings with treasury to see whether or not it is possible within the limited resources that we have to introduce this right now or if we want to continue with R350 for a particular period of time.”
Sisulu said that the matter is still on the table and that they are waiting for the Finance Minister to give the green light on the grant.
“The minister of finance will give the final verdict on this because it is something that has to be included into the budget,” says Sisulu.
Many concerns have been raised with regards to how government plans to fund the grant and whether or not it will be of actual use to people in need. People fear that government is not thinking about more sustainable solutions to tackle ongoing socio-economic challenges.
