Unpacking the issue of progressive realisation of the basic income grant : a South African perspective

Abstract

This article examines the issue of progressive realisation of the Basic Income Grant (‘BIG’) in South Africa. The article locates the BIG within the broader framework of the specific provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) that pertain to the protection of the socio-economic right to access social security, including, appropriate social assistance. The article investigates the competence, flaws, challenges and prospects of these provisions related to the protection of and access to appropriate social assistance for all. It recognises the polarity of the current social security system in general, and the inequitable social assistance model. Furthermore, this article evaluates whether South Africa is progressively realising the ideals encapsulated under the BIG.