Mzansi has concluded the Human Rights Month commemorating the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, and we continue to fight for the most basic human rights – like access to affordable, nutritious food. In the 2024 election, the majority of political parties now within the GNU made promises to end hunger.
But in 2026, millions are still going to bed hungry. In a country that produces enough food for everyone, why is it that children still die of hunger and starvation?
At amandla .mobi, we continue our commitment to the battle for social and economic justice and equality.
In 2026, our fight for a Universal Basic Income continues. Together with our friends at Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA), we hosted a panel discussion at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in January to explore why a Universal Basic Income Grant is urgently needed in South Africa.
The panellists – Basetsana Meletse, Isobel Frye, Jasmina Papa, Commissioner Elspeth Khwinana, and Dr Pali Lehohla – highlighted how current economic policies are deepening poverty and exclusion, while a basic income could help grow the economy, reduce inequality, and meet people’s basic needs.
A new model, known as the multiplier effect, developed by Brazilian academic Dante Cardoso, shows that, beyond human rights and moral arguments, a Universal Basic Income Grant could have a strong economic impact by removing barriers that keep many people locked out of the economy.
“The issue is that austerity is taking us away from the multiplier of 1.78, which the Basic Income Grant will generate, and create conditions for life for the 14 million agents who are the youth.” – Dr Pali Lehohla, Former General Statistician.
