RISE Mzansi: A R1,335 child grant by 2026 and companies to pay for maternity leave | The Citizen
RISE Mzansi: A R1,335 child grant by 2026 and companies to pay for maternity leave The Citizen
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Songezo Zibi: Addressing the Struggles of Single Mothers
RISE Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, has expressed his party’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by single mothers. If elected, RISE Mzansi plans to introduce new policies aimed at supporting single mothers in raising their children.
Zibi, who was raised by a single mother himself, understands firsthand the difficulties faced by single mothers.
A Focus on Single Mothers
Zibi emphasized that single mothers are often neglected by the government, despite being directly affected by national-level decisions.
Policies that Would Aid Families
RISE Mzansi aims to provide support to ensure that mothers can return to work or school after giving birth.
“RISE Mzansi will prioritize the implementation of universal Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs. Single mothers often face challenges continuing their education or seeking employment due to the lack of affordable and accessible quality child-care facilities,” Zibi stated.
The party also advocates for extending the operating hours of Early Childhood Development centers until 6pm.
Zibi announced that RISE Mzansi plans to increase the child support grant from its current level to R680.
“We will raise the Child Support Grant to the food poverty line of R680, and gradually increase it to R1,335 over the next two years. This will have an immediate impact on ensuring healthy growth for children and will particularly benefit single mothers who have no other sources of support,” Zibi explained.
Furthermore, Zibi highlighted the party’s intention to shift the responsibility of maternity leave payments from the government to companies.
Zibi also emphasized the importance of holding delinquent fathers accountable for their children’s well-being.
“We will strengthen access to Maintenance Courts and enhance their effectiveness to ensure that fathers are compelled to take responsibility for their children,” he stated.
In addition, Zibi discussed tax incentives that would provide protection for single mothers.
“We will introduce a tax relief scheme of up to R30,000 per annum for single parents in the ‘missing middle’ category. These are individuals who earn too much to qualify for the Child Support Grant but not enough to adequately provide for their families,” Zibi concluded.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
-
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
- Indicator: Increase in the child support grant from its current level to R680.
-
SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
- Indicator: Roll out universal Early Childhood Development (ECD) as an urgent priority.
-
SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate.
- Indicator: Companies paying for maternity leave instead of relying on the government.
-
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Indicator: Support for mothers to get back to work and school after giving birth.
-
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
- Indicator: Introduce a tax relief scheme for single parents in the “missing middle”.
-
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Indicator: Strengthen access to Maintenance Courts to ensure fathers take responsibility for their children.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. | Increase in the child support grant from its current level to R680. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education. | Roll out universal Early Childhood Development (ECD) as an urgent priority. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate. | Companies paying for maternity leave instead of relying on the government. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Support for mothers to get back to work and school after giving birth. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. | Introduce a tax relief scheme for single parents in the “missing middle”. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Strengthen access to Maintenance Courts to ensure fathers take responsibility for their children. |
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Source: citizen.co.za
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