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With the cost-of-living crisis spiraling out of control, GOOD welcomes the commitment by government to finally bring in a permanent Basic Income Grant (BIG) for millions of South Africans in need. 

In a written parliamentary reply, the Minister of Social Development indicated that her department will be seeking Cabinet approval to publish a draft policy for public comments in the current financial year. 

The Department further proposed that the current Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant be extended until the end of the 2025/26 financial year, to allow for time to finalize work on a more permanent and sustainable intervention.

While all of this is encouraging, a permanent grant or income support simply cannot come in at the current SRD amount of R350 per month. This is less than half of the current food poverty line. 

The monthly cost of food sufficient to sustain an adult individual has increased by nearly 15% over the past year to R760.

GOOD maintains that a (sufficient) Basic Income Grant is South Africa’s single most important need, and based on our own research, South Africa can afford to pay this - if government is willing to reprioritize. 

Our research supports a BIG set at R999. 

Although below the 2023 lower-bound poverty line, it covers the cost of basic foods with a reasonable and sensible amount. 

It’s a GOOD deal not just for those who need direct relief, but for the whole country.

There is no greater threat to our collective well-being than poverty and hopelessness.

Issued by GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament, Brett Herron