A Budget for the people
A Budget for the people Estelle GreeffBudget 2015
Every year the government publishes a Budget Review. The review estimates how much money governement can raise to be able to have to spend on priorities such as health, education, and social grants, among others.
When Government puts together the budget for the country it has to consider a few issues such as the economy. The incomy plays an important role because the more the economy grows, the more revenue government will be able to collect.
Government follows a detailed step-bystep process before it decides on the final national Budget. The Minister of Finance then presents the Budget in Parliament and this is followed by a consultation process.
The 2015 Budget presented by Minister Nhlanhla Nene was tabled at a time when the country was going through a challening time. While these challenges remain, government is committed to improving the lives of the poor.
Protecting social security
Over the next three years, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), will continue to expand social grant facilities. Government remains firm in its commitment to eradicate inequality and poverty.
One way to achieve this reality is to provide support for vulnerable citizens through the provision of social grants.
By 2018, nearly 17.5 million South Africans will receive some form of social grant. A social grant is the most direct means of addressing the poverty challenge facing our country. It is targeted at the elderly, war veterans, children and people with disabilities.
| Increase in State Grants | |
| State old grant | R1 410 |
| State old age grant, over 75’s | R1 430 |
| War veterans grant | R1 430 |
| Disability grant | R1 410 |
| Foster care grant | R860 |
| Care dependency grant | R1 410 |
| Child support grant | R330 |
Boosting the income of these households reduces the effects of poverty whilst at the same time enhancing the capabilities of citizens and communities as important steps towards the creation of a developmental state. Over the next three years, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), will continue to expand social grant facilities.