DA challenges Dlamini to buy R753 of food and essential items for an entire month

9 June 2016

Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, stated in a reply to a DA parliamentary question that Social Grant Beneficiaries should be able to live on R753 per month to buy “adequate food as well as additional non-food items”. 

With rising food prices due to the drought and other factors, the DA contends that this assertion is deeply insensitive and completely untrue. 

To this end, I challenge Minister Dlamini to join me, as soon as possible, on a trip to the shops to test her claim that R753 can buy “adequate” food and other essential items. I will, today, issue a written invitation to the minister to accompany me.

This uncaring response demonstrates yet again just how much the ANC has changed. The ANC governs like black lives don’t matter, more concerned with benefiting from state resources than helping those most in need.  

The truth is that the recent increases to Social Grants were well below food inflation, and this has diminished the buying power of the most vulnerable in our society, making it harder for them to put food on the table.

That is why the DA tried to amend the budget to increase provision for social grants. The fact that the ANC voted it down proved that they don’t have the poor’s best interest at heart.

The DA yesterday launched its petition for an increase in social grants, and will continue fighting to ensure that the poor and vulnerable in our society are well taken care of. We encourage all South Africans to sign the DA’s petition, which will be handed over to the Department of Social Development.

On 3 August, South Africans have an opportunity to vote for change, and for a DA government that will put them first. In the meantime, we’ll be looking forward to Minister Dlamini joining us to test her assertion that R753 is “adequate” given rapidly rising food costs.

Issued by Bridget Masango, DA Shadow Minister of Social Development, 9 June 2016