South Africa ranks 69th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index. Corruption in government institutions is a pervasive problem that undermines public trust and diverts resources from important public services. The Gauteng MEC’s celebration of the arrest of a corrupt official is a small but significant step towards combating corruption in the country.
South Africa is facing a crucial decision regarding the R350 Social Relief Grant. The Second BRICS Working Group Meeting, held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, discussed the proposal to replace the grant with a Basic Income Grant (BIG). The urgency of implementing social protection measures was highlighted by Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director for Decent Work for Southern and Eastern Africa at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and the potential for future crises, integrating social protection measures has become vital.
