Grant of R999 for Basic Income Proposed by the Good Party
Dubbed the “GOOD deal,” the party proposes a basic income grant of R999, emphasizing that not only is it feasible but also imperative.The party argues, “Our fundamental belief is that there is no more direct and effective way to assist an impoverished individual with no income than by providing them with cash.”
Brett Herron, Secretary General of the GOOD Party, asserts that the government is not adequately fulfilling its responsibility to support the impoverished population, thereby failing to uphold the constitutional obligation to assist those who are unable to sustain themselves.
More About R999 Grant
As per the National Development Plan, the objective is to eradicate the situation where any South African falls below the lower-bound poverty line, and it is this goal that informs the R999 figure.
In 2022, the lower-bound poverty line was estimated to be R945 per month. In contrast, the current Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant falls short of even half this amount.According to Herron, the R999 grant is intended to cover the lower-bound poverty line with a small additional sum allocated for transportation costs, primarily for job-seeking purposes.
Currently, beneficiaries of the SRD grant receive R350 per month. Herron highlights that this amount has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2020 and is funded until 31 March 2024. As of April 2022, the estimated food poverty line stood at R663 per person per month. Clearly, the R350 monthly grant falls significantly short of meeting about half of the current estimated food poverty line.The political party aims to make the R999 grant accessible to unemployed South Africans aged between 18 and 60.
