Social assistance doesn't create dependency - IEJ

Clarence Ford speaks to Dr Kelle Howson, Senior Researcher at the Institute For Economic Justice (IEJ).

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Rising levels of hunger and increasing food poverty in the most unequal country in the world - that's the  bleak reality for millions of South Africans.

Last week hundreds of churches joined the call for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to be permanently rebranded and made available as the universal basic income grant (UBIG).

Howson says the reality of living below the poverty line goes beyond words:

"What it means is child malnutrition and stunting and people being stuck in a day-to-day survival mode where they can't contribute and they can't improve their situation."

- Dr Kelle Howson, SeWnior Researcher - Institute For Economic Justice 

Howson says the purpose of the UBIG is to address the acute crisis, end the scourge of hunger and to make a difference to the levels of inequality.

"What it also does it stimulate the economy and it really helps with long-term sustainable development pathway as well."

- Dr Kelle Howson, Senior Researcher - Institute For Economic Justice 

Howson says the biggest challenge gaining support for the introduction of a universal basic income grant is perceptions that the introduction of the grant would create widespread dependency or discourages labour market participation.

She says the evidence doesn't support that.

"What the evidence shows internationally and in South Africa is that what's preventing people from being able to build sustainable livelihoods is income poverty itself."

- Dr Kelle Howson, Senior Researcher - Institute For Economic Justice 

"So if you can't afford money for transport, to go out and search for a job, you're really stuck...so (the grant) allows you to get on to the first rung of the ladder."

- Dr Kelle Howson, Senior Researcher - Institute For Economic Justice 

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