Advocacy group Black Sash has stressed the need for government to provide permanent social assistance to those aged 18 to 59 who have little to no income.
It has called for the state to also work towards a universal basic income. According to the group international studies have shown that this type of support not only stimulates economic growth but reduces poverty and inequality more effectively. The call comes ahead of Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement.
The address takes place in the midst of an economy that is performing dismally and the Covid-19 lock downs which have pushed people out of work and forced some businesses to permanently shut. Black Sash has staged a picket outside parliament.
Their demands are:
- Implement a permanent social assistance for those aged 18 to 59, valued at the upper-bound poverty line, currently R1,268 per month.
- Caregivers who receive the Child Support Grant must also qualify for this grant;
- Make the Covid-19 grant increases of R250 per month permanent for all social grants;
- Ensures that the above provisions apply to refugees, permanent residents, asylum seekers and migrant workers with special permits
