"South Africa can afford a basic income grant, it's about how we structure it"

South Africa's Minister for Social Development, the Hon. Lindiwe Zulu, stated during a panel discussion on the introduction of a Basic Income Grant, that "South Africa can afford a basic income grant", and that the grant "is not an 'if', it's on the agenda." The Basic Income Grant (BIG) has long been a topic of debate in South Africa. The idea was first raised in a 1997 White Paper on Social Welfare. More than 20 years later, more than half the population lives on R 1335 per month or less. In the context of widespread poverty, unemployment, and the need for wealth redistribution and social redress, the justification for a BIG is especially relevant today. We invite you to view the discussion in the video below.