The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has shown strong support for a crucial initiative to uplift the lives of South African children. In response to calls from the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), the Committee has backed efforts to increase the value of the Child Support Grant (CSG) to match the country’s lower-bound poverty line. This move comes amid concerns about the well-being of millions of children living in poverty. Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango emphasized the urgency of improving child-related policies, stating that the nation’s children need better support systems and care.
Calls for Increasing the Child Support Grant
During a recent Children’s Sector Consultation Conference held in Johannesburg, Professor Olive Shisana, a Social Policy Advisor to the President of South Africa, made a strong appeal for increasing the CSG. Her presentation highlighted the stark reality of child poverty in South Africa, pointing to the alarming number of children facing malnutrition and food insecurity. Prof. Shisana stressed the need for swift intervention to ensure that children’s basic needs are met, urging that the CSG be raised to align with the country’s lower-bound poverty line.
Challenges Faced by South African Children
South Africa continues to face a significant challenge in addressing child poverty. According to Prof. Shisana’s report, three-fifths of children in the country reside in the poorest 40% of households, with a quarter experiencing stunted growth due to malnutrition. The existing CSG, while providing some relief to struggling families, remains insufficient to fully address these issues. In 2022, the CSG supported approximately 13.2 million beneficiaries, highlighting its importance but also underscoring the need for further improvements to meet the rising costs of living.
Understanding the Child Support Grant and Poverty Lines
Statistics South Africa reported in 2023 that the monthly food poverty line in the country stood at R760.00, while the lower-bound poverty line was R1,058.00. These figures are critical benchmarks for understanding the economic struggles of low-income households. The current CSG of R530 falls well below these thresholds, making it difficult for parents to afford nutritious meals and other essentials for their children.
According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMBEJD), the CSG, as of September 2024, is 33% lower than the food poverty line (R796) and 44% below the cost required to provide a child with a basic nutritious diet (R941.51). This disparity highlights the pressing need to increase the grant, as it would directly improve the well-being of millions of children.
NSAAC’s Vision for Change
The NSAAC’s mission is to uplift the lives of children in South Africa through a series of targeted interventions. A key element of this strategy is adjusting the CSG to meet the food poverty line, ensuring that the grant better supports families in need. Chairperson Bridget Masango praised the collective efforts of all stakeholders, emphasizing that the nation’s children deserve the best care and opportunities to thrive.
She remarked, “The soul of this society, where children are concerned, is in dire need of restoration. People sitting in this room and the organizations they represent constitute the foundation of the soul of South Africa. I am beyond confident that the nation’s children are in wonderful, caring, and compassionate hands.”
Impact of a Higher Child Support Grant on Society
An increase in the CSG could have far-reaching benefits for South Africa. The PMBEJD has suggested that a more substantial grant would not only help address child hunger but also contribute to broader societal improvements, such as enhanced educational outcomes, better health, and increased economic equity. By ensuring that children have access to adequate nutrition and essential resources, South Africa can create a stronger foundation for future generations.