The Siyabuya movement has welcomed the income support and job creation that will result from the measures announced on Sunday by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
One of Siyabuya’s primary objectives is to promote job creation to combat the poverty and hunger which result from rising unemployment. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation. Lockdowns, including the month-long Level 4 lockdown which ended on Sunday, may have helped to curb the spread of the virus, but they have also increased unemployment and hunger.
Melene Rossouw, External lead, SiyabuyaThe recent violence in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has added to joblessness and misery, making relief efforts all the more urgent.
“Siyabuya is delighted with the reintroduction of the R350 income grant to poor citizens between the ages of 18 and 59, and the extension of the special relief of distress social grant to unemployed caregivers. That will extend the reach of this grant to 9.5 million jobless people.”
New support measures for businesses hard hit by the lockdowns, including acceleration of the economic reconstruction and recovery programme, tax concessions and rapid payment of insurance claims for those that have lost business or have had to close, are welcome for the same reasons.
“Every business saved means many jobs saved, and in South Africa every job supports many people. These measures will save lives, because they will result in food for hungry people.
“These relief efforts come as vaccinations are at last showing a steady increase. The promise of an accelerated vaccination programme, soon extending down to 18-year-olds, must be followed up with a drive to highlight the value of vaccinations and discourage vaccine hesitancy,” she said.
“We are not safe until everyone is safe. Get the jab!”
