GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
19 April 2023
The spiraling food prices in South Africa continue to be a crushing reality for the millions of people who either do not have any form of income, or are struggling to survive on the bare minimum.
Today StatsSA reported that food prices have increased by an average of 14% over the past year – the largest annual increase since March 2009.
Despite being faced with this devastating statistics, the State seems to be unbothered by the fact that they are failing in their Constitutional obligation to provide citizens with the minimum needs to survive.
Not only did President Cyril Ramaphosa miss an opportunity to prioritise the issue of poverty alleviation by implementing a Basic Income Grant during his SONA this year, there was also no announcement of even the slightest increase in the R350 grant.
This so-called social relief of distress grant, introduced during the pandemic, reaches around eight million people. But the R350 payouts fall far short of the R663 per person per month official food poverty line.
It is unacceptable that the most basic social needs of the most vulnerable members of our society are not being met – and an infringement on their constitutional rights.
The trajectory for South Africa of growing inequality and deepening poverty is unsustainable.
What level of poverty, hunger and inequality does South Africa have to reach – before our leaders act?
Our leaders would be wise to not continue turning the other way, but rather demonstrate their consciousness of the importance of this matter, starting with finally announcing plans and timeframes for the introduction of a Basic Income Grant.
GOOD has conducted significant research proving that this is possible, as part of a comprehensive overhaul of our social security programme.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 0825183264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za