The Department of Social Development in South Africa has announced that it is on track to deliver an updated draft policy on a basic income grant to Cabinet by the end of the financial year. This comes after the department submitted a draft policy almost a year ago. The proposed basic income grant is aimed at providing a permanent subsistence grant to the country's most vulnerable citizens.
Lobby groups have long been advocating for the Social Relief of Distress Grant, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, to become a permanent measure. The grant has been administered by the South African Social Security Agency and has been providing financial assistance to almost eight million beneficiaries. The agency's CEO, Themba Matlou, has emphasized the need to manage the system carefully to prevent fraudulent activities.
The Department of Social Development's Deputy Director-General, Brenda Sibeko, has revealed that over four million appeals against rejections for the Social Relief of Distress Grant have been adjudicated over the past year. However, 99% of these appeals were unsuccessful in having the decision overturned. This comes as the department and SASSA intensify efforts to tighten fraud controls and ensure that grants are only paid to eligible beneficiaries.
SASSA has reportedly saved millions of rand by rejecting those fraudulently accessing grants. The agency has also added over 1.6 million new applicants to the system in the last financial year, despite complaints against its review of beneficiaries. This demonstrates that SASSA is not merely rejecting applications, but is actively working to ensure that those who need assistance are able to access it.
The Department of Social Development has completed the draft policy on the basic income grant and is ready to take it to Cabinet for a request to consult on it. This will be followed by a public consultation period. The proposed policy is expected to provide a more sustainable income support system for unemployed citizens. President Ramaphosa had previously indicated that the Social Relief of Distress Grant would be the basis for a more sustainable income support system.
The introduction of a basic income grant has been seen as a key measure to address poverty and inequality in South Africa. The grant is expected to provide a vital lifeline to millions of citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. The Department of Social Development has assured that it is working hard to ensure that the policy is finalized and implemented as soon as possible.
The South African government has been under pressure to provide a more permanent solution to poverty and inequality. The proposed basic income grant is seen as a key measure to address these challenges. With the updated draft policy set to be delivered to Cabinet soon, citizens are eagerly awaiting the implementation of this vital measure.
Key points
- The Department of Social Development is on track to deliver an updated draft policy on a basic income grant to Cabinet by the end of the financial year.
- The proposed basic income grant aims to provide a permanent subsistence grant to the country's most vulnerable citizens.
- SASSA has saved millions of rand by rejecting those fraudulently accessing grants and has added over 1.6 million new applicants to the system in the last financial year.
