Abstract:
Since the first fully democratic elections in 1994, poverty alleviation has been a
central issue for the South African government (May 2010:4). Poverty in South
Africa can be largely attributed to the extreme inequalities of the past. It has
been addressed through a number of developmental initiatives; for example, the
government has implemented social grants to help to eradicate poverty. This article
investigates how the administration of one of these social grants, the Old Age Grant,
influences the livelihoods of the intended beneficiaries in the Kgautswane rural
community in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Unless a policy is implemented
effectively, efficiently and ethically, it is of little use to those meant to benefit
from it. Social welfare is essential for South Africa as a developmental state, but it
requires a concerted effort by government to ensure the appropriate administration
of this system to benefit particularly the rural poor. When the beneficiaries remain
dependent on the system for their continued livelihood, only effective, efficient and
ethical administration of the system will contribute to the development of a state
capable of sustaining the social contract with its citizens.
