LOUIS TRICHARDT – "Fight poverty, don't breed it", is the basis of an urgent call on the government, to exchange it's present "Baby Grant" for a Basic Income Grant.

A nationwide campaign is at present being launched to convince the government to assist all poor families in the country, instead of adding to the poverty problem by it's current "baby grant" for children under the age of seven years.

The Baby Grant policy is described by social experts as "unfortunate" and "dangerously short-sighted".

"It was undoubtedly a kind and benevolent idea but in practice it is causing additional serious social problems. In the South African reality it has cruel and destructive consequences," said a DA spokesperson for social affairs.

"Serious allegations came to our attention, that various young women are forced by their parents to have children in order to qualify for the monthly social grant of R150 per child under the age of seven. Driven by massive unemployment, poverty and lack of recourse, the grant is often the only income of a poor family. The next big problem is that the Baby Grant for children stops when the child reaches the age of seven years. Just when that grant is necessary to pay for school fees, the government stops the payments."

In an official statement the DA says: "This system entrench poverty in the already desperately poor communities. It also makes sure that young women, again, pay the price for the shortsighted policies of the ANC government. Empowerment of women is further negated and the hope of a better future for them finally destroyed."

The DA statement calls on the government and the community to fight poverty by supporting a basic income grant.

"The DA proposed a Basic Income Grant to all poor families. This will make it possible for families to at least find some income to sustain themselves. Every person with an annual income of less than R7 500 would qualify, except those already receiving a state pension or grant. The DA has proposed a basic income grant of R110 per month to help the poorest of the poor fight poverty."

During this month the Democratic Alliance is launching it's Basic Income Grant campaign throughout South Africa in an effort to gain support for what is termed a vital tool to fight poverty, hunger and disease.