The child support grant in Kwazulu-Natal: perceptions and experience inside the household
Over recent years the Child Support Grant (CSG) has become the ‘biggest’ of the South African social assistance grants in terms of the numbers of beneficiaries. It is a monthly payment by the South African government of R200, currently available to primary caregivers (PCGs). Much quantitative work on the beneficiaries of the CSG and on some of the impacts of the grant. However, little qualitative work has been undertaken to date.
This paper aims to contribute towards these research gaps, from qualitative research conducted in six study areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The authors highlight findings from various sources, but chiefly the perspectives of 24 CSG recipients in six research sites across KwaZulu-Natal. It gives detailed accounts from recipients about how the grant affects their lives and their relationships. Areas covered in this paper include:
- profile of qualitative study households
- perspectives and attitudes relating to the CSG
- impacts on relationships within households and with partners
- ending receipt of the CSG.
The report details various findings and conclusions including that most of the CSG recipients express a desire for an increase in the value of the CSG – most would like it raised from R170 to R250 per month. One third say that they would spend an increased amount on the educational needs of their child or children. Half indicate that an increased amount would be spent on food or groceries for the household.
