Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

IEJ calls for hike in social grant payments, argues it’s below national poverty line

Loading player...
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) is calling for an urgent increase in social grant payments, arguing that current amounts fall significantly below the national poverty line. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the food poverty line – the minimum required to afford basic daily nutrition – is currently R796 per person, per month. The IEJ said grants such as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which stands at R370, remain far below what’s needed to cover basic living costs. Phemelo speaks to Researcher at the Institute for Economic Justice, Siyanda Baduza.
1 Jul 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Legal Matters: eviction, restraint of trade

This week's Legal Matters Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks key legal issues, including eviction linked to criminal activity, a labour dispute over whether workers were picketing or rehearsing wedding songs, and restraint of trade without a written agreement.
22 Jul 2PM 36 min

SASSA under fire as beneficiaries brave freezing cold for grants

More than 50 people, including pensioners, mothers with children and people with disabilities, spent the night outside SASSA's Bellville office in freezing temperatures just to secure a place in the queue. ActionSA says the scenes expose a failing system and is calling for urgent improvements, while SASSA has responded to…
22 Jul 2PM 22 min

SA women's hockey team shines on the field but battles funding off it

South African hockey player Onthatile "Thati" Zulu has lifted the lid on the financial strain facing the national women's team, revealing that players often have to fund their own World Cup preparations through sponsorships, crowdfunding and personal contributions. Her open letter has reignited the debate around funding for under-supported sports…
22 Jul 2PM 16 min

Parliament questions Treasury over R13.5bn municipal funding freeze

Parliament has grilled National Treasury over its decision to withhold R13.5 billion in funding from struggling municipalities over financial mismanagement and unpaid debts. While 27 councils have had their funding restored and more are expected to receive payments, dozens remain without crucial funds as Treasury insists they meet strict financial…
21 Jul 2PM 13 min

CRL Rights Commission cracks down after 43 initiation deaths this winter

The CRL Rights Commission is stepping up efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis at initiation schools after 43 initiates lost their lives during this year's winter initiation season. The latest figures also reveal dozens of hospitalisations, abductions, illegal schools and criminal cases, prompting the commission to launch a special committee…
21 Jul 2PM 16 min
All episodes