Social Development Dept's delays in formulating a Basic Income Grant policy frustrate MPs
The basic income grant has been on the country’s policy agenda for over 20 years, and it is still far from coming to fruition.
A South African Social Security Agency office in Pretoria. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced their frustration at the delays in formulating a complete Basic Income Grant (BIG) policy by the Department of Social Development (DSD).
The Social Development committee received a progress report from the department on Wednesday.
It details how far the DSD has gone in formulating the basic income support policy, which will consolidate social support and has the support of many organisations and parties.
However, the department says the policy must be approved before an amendment bill is drafted and submitted to Parliament.
ALSO READ: Wealth & social security taxes could fund basic income grant in SA - study
The BIG has been on the country’s policy agenda for over 20 years, and it is still far from coming to fruition.
On Wednesday, the Social Development Deputy Director General, Brenda Sibeko, told MPs that the policy has been revised again and could be approved in a year.
"If the policy is approved in the current financial year, then it means that after that, we have to write the law that makes the basic income support to be a permanent income support policy like the other grants."
But committee member Noluvuyo Tafeni complained about the constant reviewing of the policy.
"When was the Basic Income Grant policy proposal first made? It was about some 30 years back, and there is still no progress."
The DSD says while the legislative process unfolds, it will be necessary for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to be extended beyond March 2026.