Faizel Patel – 24/03/2021
Advocacy group the Black Sash says government has a constitutional obligation to implement the basic income grant to help those left destitute by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Social development minister Lindiwe Zulu called for the implementation of the basic income grant in the national assembly just over a week ago.
The grant has been in the pipeline for years and the Black Sash says it must be implemented as soon as possible to fight poverty and unemployment.
The call comes at a time when the country’s unemployment levels have worsened considerably with more than 11 million South Africans without work.
Speaking to Radio Islam, Black Sash advocacy manager Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker says there are many political parties that have supported the implementation of the basic income grant.
“Key issues that government raises is the issue of whether they have the resources available and Black Sash response is that there is a constitutional obligation on government. So it’s not about whether there are resources, but making sure that they prioritise spending to ensure that there is a basic income grant.”
Fayker says while the cost of living is very high, the grant is a means to assist the elderly, unemployed and vulnerable.
“There is a COVID SRD grant which ends at the end of April. That grant must be at least extended until government has their policies in place to implement a basic income support for 18 to 59. We are asking that it at least be the food poverty line so that people can buy basic foods and the would amount to R585.”
Fayker says Black Sash is hoping that the basic income grant will be implement this year adding that it is urgent and people are hungry.
Listen to the interview with Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker
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