REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS
and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
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469.
Since 2008, the following measures were put in place to increase social grant
coverage: the qualifying age for Older Person’s Grant was equalised at 60 years for men
and women and the progressive extension of CSG was raised to 18 years. Social assistance
coverage in the form of the Child Support Grant was extended to children up to the age
of 18 years with effect from January 2010. This was an attempt by government to further
reduce child poverty and encourage school attendance, thus promoting the development
of human capital. The extension of coverage of the CSG has benefitted more than
10 million children. Government is currently developing proposals to reform the social
security system, with a view to introducing a contributory scheme for old age, disability
and survivor benefits. This will deepen the reach of the social security system to provide
enhanced coverage for those who are income earners.
470.
In order to give effect to section 7(2) of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act,
2000,248 the Social Assistance Act, 2004249 was amended in 2010. Both applicants and
beneficiaries who disagree with a decision and / or the reasons given by the South African
Act No. 3 of 2000
Act No. 13 of 2004
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