Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to temporally increase the child support grant. On Tuesday Ramaphosa announced that beneficiaries “will now receive an extra R300 in May and from June to October they will receive an additional R500 each month”.

“We believe that this will bring much needed relief to the 12.8 million children, that rely on this grant. These are some of South Africa’s most vulnerable children. R440 was not going to see them through this difficult time. Vulnerable families will now have some money to meet their critical needs” says SCSA CEO Steve Miller.

We also fully support the decision for the South African Social Security Fund –SAASA- to roll out food assistance at scale through vouchers and cash transfers.

Our experiences globally tell us that a cash transfer programme has the potential to reduce violence risk through reductions in poverty released stress – improved caregiver psychosocial wellbeing, and ability to keep children out of harm.

“Substantial evidence has been generated on the effectiveness of cash transfers – including their impacts on children – especially if provided with complimentary support. Cash is arguably one of the best evidence based anti-poverty tools available,” adds Miller.

Save the Children has had a leading role, in the development of cash transfer programming globally. We call on all citizens of South Africa - who are able to support vulnerable families - to consider donating funds that will allow SCSA to assist our government and ensure that no child is left behind.

Save the Children is running an online campaign called #SaveWithStoriesSA, which is aimed at raising money for children affected by COVID-19.

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For more information or to set up interviews contact: Sibusiso Khasa on 073 449 6871 or

[email protected]

About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

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