Unicef SA reports a third of children under eight get child-support grants
But these alone are not enough, with six out of 10 of SA’s children living below the poverty line, ‘family-strengthening interventions’ are also needed
A third of children under the age of eight receive a child-support grant but there needs to be a focus on family-strengthening interventions, according to the Family Contexts, Child-Support Grants and Child Well-Being in SA policy report. The report was compiled for Unicef SA and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. Speaking at the University of Johannesburg on Tuesday at the launch of the report, Leila Patel from the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) said more than 12-million children — or 63% of all South African children — received a child-support grant, while six out of 10 children lived below the poverty line. "Child-support grants are not enough. Poverty is a significant risk factor for the growth and development of children; 18% of children who are eligible still do not receive the grant," said Patel. "[There needs to be] cash and care. Cash has certain benefits but isn’t sufficient on its own to achieve well-being outcomes for children."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.