The new social grant of R999 for basic income was introduced and proposed by GOOD Party. Due to the rising cost of living and high unemployment, about 8 million South Africans are out of work and struggling to meet their basic needs.
The New Grant of R999 for Basic Income Proposed
In response to this situation, the political party made an important proposal to increase the basic income support. The GOOD party has launched its campaign in support of basic income, which is expected to be a top priority before the next parliamentary elections. next year.
Entitled “The GOOD Deal”, the party has proposed a basic income grant of R999, stressing that this is not only feasible but essential. “Our core belief is that there is no more direct and effective way to help the poor. Providing cash to those without income is easier,” the party said.
GOOD party general secretary Brett Herron has argued that the government has failed to fulfill its responsibility to help the poor and its constitutional obligation to help those who cannot support themselves.
Based on Section 27 of the South African Constitution:
Section 27 (1) Everyone has the right to access the following services: (a) health services, including reproductive health care; (b) Adequate food and water supplies; (c) Social Security. This includes appropriate social assistance for those unable to support themselves and their dependents.
According to the National Development Plan, the aim is to end South Africans falling below the lower poverty line, which is reflected in the R999 amount.
In 2022, the lower poverty line is estimated at R945 per month. In contrast, current Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grants are less than half that amount. Herron said the R999 grant is intended to cover the lower poverty line, with a small additional amount set aside, mainly for transportation costs for job seeking.
Beneficiaries of SRD grant currently receive R350 per month. Herron stresses that this amount has not changed since its inception in 2020 and will be funded until March 31, 2024. The estimated food poverty line for April 2022 was R663 per person per month. Apparently the R350 monthly grant is clearly insufficient to reach about half of the currently estimated food poverty line. The party wants unemployed South Africans between the ages of 18 and 60 to have access to a R999 grant.
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