The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) has called for an urgent increase in South Africa’s social grants, stating that current amounts are insufficient to cover basic living costs and fall below the national poverty line.

According to Statistics South Africa, the food poverty line, which represents the minimum required for basic daily nutrition, is R796 per person per month. However, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is only R370, far below what is needed to meet essential needs.

IEJ researcher Siyanda Baduza highlighted that despite the constitutional right to social assistance, many grant recipients struggle to afford food for themselves and their families. The child support grant, currently at R560, also falls below the estimated cost required to feed a child adequately.

Baduza emphasized the link between income poverty and food poverty, stating, “Increasing grant values would be an effective way to target food poverty, as there’s a strong connection between the two.”

The IEJ’s call comes as part of broader efforts to address poverty and ensure social grants align with the rising cost of living in South Africa.