Volkskerk Church’s Donald Katts was among more than a dozen clergy who represent several major South African church denominations who signed the pledge to support the universal basic income grant on Thursday. Photos: Marecia Damons
As reported by Marecia Damons, hundreds of churches from the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) support making the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant a permanent universal basic income grant (UBIG). Currently, 7.5 to 8.5 million jobless adults depend on the R370-a-month SRD grant, but many eligible people are excluded due to strict checks by SASSA.
At an event in Cape Town, clergy from various churches, including the Uniting Reformed Church and the Dutch Reformed Church, pledged support for the UBIG. The Global Reformed Platforms of Engagement (GRAPE) programme was launched to push for social change.
Reverend Dr. Bukelwa Hans said the UBIG should be at least R760 a month to fight poverty and inequality. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba stressed its importance for economic fairness. Dr. Kelle Howson from the Institute for Economic Justice noted political parties’ promises to improve social protection. Nioma Venter from the Dutch Reformed Church highlighted UBIG’s role as a safety net during natural disasters.
