DA launches petition for government to increase social grants
8 June 2016
The DA today launches its petition for above-inflation increases in social grants for the poorest of the poor in our country.
In February this year, the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, announced negligible increases for social grants that were far below-inflation, diminishing the buying power of the most vulnerable in our society and in so doing making it harder for them to put food on the table.
The following increases were announced by the Minister:
|
Old Age Grant |
Up by R80 a month |
|
Child Support Grant |
Up by R20 a month |
|
Foster Care Grant |
Up by R30 a month |
|
Disability Grant |
Up by R80 a month |
This is simply not enough for the poor who have to fight for survival amidst the worst recorded drought in over a century, increasing food prices, water shortages and job losses. People are simply not able to make ends meet. Most of those reliant on these social grants, such as pensioners, are faced with ever-growing responsibilities such as looking after grandchildren and other dependents.
The DA has been battling with a selfish ANC that governs like black lives don’t matter. So enthralled in luxury, the ANC has cast little concern to the suffering of millions of poor people across the country.
Instead of cutting wasteful and fruitless expenditure and ensuring that money is made available for those who need it the most, the ANC government has continued to splurge on their cronies and continue to take food out of the mouths of the poor, who are manipulated with promises of food come Election Campaigning.
We cannot allow the most vulnerable in our society to continue to suffer as a result of an uncaring government that has failed to grow the economy, create jobs, and prioritise the needs of the poor. The DA will continue to fight for government accountability to ensure that the most defenceless in the country are well taken care of.
As such we encourage all South Africans to sign the DA’s petition to be handed over to the Department of Social Development (DSD).
On 3 August, South Africans have an opportunity to vote for change, and for a DA government that will put them first.
Issued by Bridget Masango, DA Shadow Minister of Social Development, 8 June 2016
