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Why are we ‘celebrating’ an increase in social welfare?

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Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said in a report released today that there have been improvements in key delivery sectors pointing out that the General Household Survey (GHS) 2012 report shows an increase in the number of households who now have access to piped water, sanitation and electricity, among others.

The report provides analysis and tracks key service delivery aspects, including housing, access to electricity and household income.

The figures that concern me and could be said to be indicators of how we are failing at providing employment are:

  • The percentage of individuals that benefited from social grants increased from 12.7% in 2003 to 29.6% in 2012.
  • The percentage of households that received at least one grant increased from 29.9% in 2003 to 45.3% in 2009 before declining slightly to 43.6% in 2012.
  • 39.5% of households said social grants were their main source of income.
  • The percentage of learners who reported that they paid no tuition fees increased from 0.8% in 2002 to 56.8% in 2012 (The provinces with the highest proportion of non-payers were Limpopo at 88.8% and the Eastern Cape at 73.5%).
  • 74.1% of people aged 7 to 24-years-old were found to be attending educational institutions (Kefiloe Masiteng at Stats SA said a lack of money for fees remains the primary reason for a large number of people in this age group not studying).

Are taxpayers fashioning a thicker, longer, bendier rod for their backs? Surely South Africa cannot sustain this huge growth in a social welfare state?

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.