IFP Applauds Skweyiya For Supporting Income Grant

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MR HENNIE BEKKER MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

November 10, 2006

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson for Economic Affairs, Hennie Bekker MP, today said that the IFP welcomes the personal statement made by Social Welfare Minister, Zola Skweyiya, in favour of the Basic Income Grant (BIG).

"The IFP has for many years been calling for a Basic Income Grant to be implemented as recommended in the Taylor Report. We are therefore extremely happy that Mr Skweyiya has added his voice to this extremely important call," said Mr Bekker.

"The Basic Income Grant will bring relief to the millions of South Africans who are desperately poor. We believe that a grant-in-aid system is cumbersome, but we warn that a gradual implementation process is needed, because of the economic implications it will have on the South African economy.

"Furthermore, if South Africa is to implement a Basic Income Grant, we will need a properly researched system in place, to make sure that only the most deserving benefit from it," concluded Mr Bekker.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mr Hennie Bekker MP: 083 255 4520
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470