IEJ calls for hike in social grant payments, argues it's below national poverty line
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the food poverty line – the minimum required to afford basic daily nutrition – is currently R796 per person, per month.
The IEJ said grants such as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which stands at R370, remain far below what's needed to cover basic living costs.
IEJ researcher Siyanda Baduza said despite the Constitution guaranteeing the right to social assistance, many grant recipients can't afford food for themselves and their families.
'Similarly, the child support grant is also below the child poverty line, it's at R560, and it is also below the cost estimated to be needed to feed a child.
'I think one way to effectively target food poverty definitely would be with an increase in grant value because there's a very strong link between income poverty and food poverty.'
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