Unpacking the Issue of Progressive Realisation of the Basic Income Grant: A South African Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2522-6800/15384Keywords:
basic income grant, social security, social assistance, poverty, inequality, COVID-19 social relief of distress grantAbstract
This article examines the issue of progressive realisation of the Basic Income Grant (‘BIG’) in South Africa. The article locates the BIG within the broader framework of the specific provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) that pertain to the protection of the socio-economic right to access social security, including, appropriate social assistance. The article investigates the competence, flaws, challenges and prospects of these provisions related to the protection of and access to appropriate social assistance for all. It recognises the polarity of the current social security system in general, and the inequitable social assistance model. Furthermore, this article evaluates whether South Africa is progressively realising the ideals encapsulated under the BIG.
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References
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Cases
Government of the Republic of South Africa and Others v Grootboom and Others 2001 (1) SA 46 (CC).
Khosa and Others v Minister of Social Development; Mahlaule and Others v Minister of Social Development and Others 2004 (6) SA 505 (CC).
Mahlangu and Another v Minister of Labour and Others 2021 (1) BCLR 123.
Minister of Health and Others v Treatment Action Campaign and Others 2002 (5) SA 721 (CC).
Residents of Joe Slovo Community, Western Cape v Thubelisha Homes 2010 (3) SA 454 (CC).
Scalabrini and Another v Minister of Social Development and Others [2020] JOL 48057 (GP) unreported.
Soobramoney v Minister of Health, Kwazulu-Natal 1998 (1) SA 765 (CC).
Legislation
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Regulations relating to COVID-19 social relief of distress (GNR.2042 OF 2022 in GG 46271).
Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004.
White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997.
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