There might not be 100% agreement within government when it comes to pursuing a basic income grant (BIG), but the Department of Social Development (DSD) won't give up the fight for it, according to deputy director-general Brenda Sibeko.
Sibeko was among the panellists who participated in a virtual discussion on whether SA can afford a BIG. The discussion is part of a series on the BIG, a collaboration by Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), the Human Sciences Research Council and civil society group Pay The Grants.
Sibeko said it is important to continue the discussion on the BIG. "… As it is, there is not agreement within government as to how we should do it. It is important for civil society to lend their voice and fight," said Sibeko. She noted that there is evidence in South Africa that income support to people contributed to growth, poverty alleviation and reduced inequality.
