Acting Minister of Social Development Sindi Chikunga has stressed that the proposed Basic Income Grant will not replace employment opportunities, but rather serve as a support mechanism for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
Chikunga says the Basic Income Support Policy, which is set to be presented to Cabinet for further deliberations, is aimed at creating income-generating opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods for those living in poverty.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the future of social protection in South Africa, where high unemployment and rising living costs continue to place pressure on millions of households.
Speaking to VOC News, Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, National Advocacy Manager at the human rights organisation Black Sash, welcomed the continued discussions on income support, highlighting the importance of providing a safety net for vulnerable individuals and families.
Abrahams-Fayker emphasised that income support measures should be viewed as complementary to job creation efforts rather than an alternative to employment. She noted that many South Africans remain excluded from economic opportunities and require immediate assistance to meet their basic needs while broader economic interventions are pursued.
*Listen to the full interview here.
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