By Zaheera Mohamed
Zaheera is a strategist and leader with deep expertise in public policy and financing. She has worked across civil society, government, and academia, driven by a commitment to justice and equity for vulnerable communities – especially children.
As CEO of Ilifa Labantwana, she leads a team focused on expanding access to early childhood services in South Africa.
Her previous roles include Director of Public Finance for Social Development at the National Treasury and Child Rights Specialist at UCT’s Children’s Institute.
Zaheera says: “Social grants, and specifically the Child Support Grant, are one of South Africa’s most successful efforts at reducing the harmful effects of child poverty.
“However, in recent years, the Child Support Grant has lost a significant portion of its value to food price inflation. At R560 per month, it is well below South Africa’s food poverty [line] (R796 per month). We must restore its value.
“We also need to ensure that the grant reaches all children who need it. Currently, take-up of the grant is lowest for children under two years old. Food security at this age is crucial for optimal development, therefore eligible children need to receive the grant from birth.”
