Abstract
South Africa has made notable progress in overcoming decades of colonialism,
apartheid, and inequality since the democratic liberation in 1994. However, it
remains one of the most unequal countries in the world in the wealth distribution and
disparity within the population. According to the World Bank, the difference between
the wealthy and poor has been increasing rapidly post-apartheid and is strongly
correlated to the consequences of those racial divisions. This is the case despite the
recent international aims for socio-economic equality and realisation of social
security rights. In addition, the United Nations through Sustainable Development
Goal 1 seeks to end poverty in all parts of the world.
The need for equality and social security is internationally recognised in numerous
legal instruments. Such legal instruments include the Universal Declarator of Human
Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, Social
Security (Minim Standards) Conventions, Social protection Floors Recommendation.
In addition, social security and equality in standards of living are recognised
regionally in terms of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and its
Protocol on Human Rights to Social Protection and Social Security.
As a developing democratic country, South Africa faces various socio-economic
issues including high unemployment, poverty, social inequality and limited financial
reserves. Poverty in South Africa has reached its most extreme level since 1994.
Race in South Africa plays a key role in the society where 10% of the population
owns more than 80% of the wealth according to World Bank. These wealth holders
get richer at the expense of the poor who are only further trapped in poverty. As this
inequality persists, South Africa’s unemployment rate increases ever year.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s unemployment rate in the first
quarter of 2024 was recorded to be at 32.9%. This was the highest global figure and
depicts the severity of poverty and need for social assistance in South Africa. Many
of the unemployed individuals, having an education level below matric (Grade 12).
Unemployment and poverty are worsened the effects of Covid-19 pandemic and
loadshedding. The Basic Income Grant is the requisite to reduce poverty and
inequality. This grant serves as a commitment by the government to guarantee that
everyone has a minimal level of income to meet their basic needs.