IEJ calls for hike in social grant payments, argues it’s below national poverty line

The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) is calling for an urgent increase in social grant payments, arguing that current amounts fall significantly below the national poverty line. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the food poverty line – the minimum required to afford basic daily nutrition – is currently R796 per person, per month. The IEJ said grants such as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which stands at R370, remain far below what’s needed to cover basic living costs. Phemelo speaks to Researcher at the Institute for Economic Justice, Siyanda Baduza.