Local movement, the Assembly of the Unemployed has argued that the implementation of a basic income grant is long overdue, as government seemingly cannot create jobs in the current economy.

The Assembly of the Unemployed is calling for an introduction of a monthly basic income grant starting at R1 500.

With more than 11.4-million people unemployed the movement argues that about half the country is struggling to survive on resources well-below the upper bound poverty level.

This, it says, directly translates into a hunger crisis. 

Assembly of the Unemployed said the recent social unrest that exploded in the country could have happened at any moment over the past fifteen years, as unemployment, inequality and hunger continue to rise. 

The burgeoning movement maintained that the grant amount must take into consideration people’s unmet needs, especially the massive hunger crisis.

The movement said all unemployed, informal and casual workers should receive the grant, including mothers receiving the child support grant.  

It added that the grant is critical but is not enough, saying other social grants must continue.

“We also need more and better essential services, including health, education, housing, public transport and energy. This means that we must end austerity and reverse the cuts to the public sector wage bill,” the movement said.

It suggests that government pay for the implementation of the basic income grant by taxing the rich.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday that government was investigating the feasibility of introducing a basic income grant.

Assembly of the Unemployed said it had noted Ramaphosa’s comment, adding that implementing a basic income grant will show that government cares.