What we do
The Black Sash Trust is a 66 year old veteran human rights organisation advocating for social justice in South Africa.
Our mission is to work towards the realisation of socio-economic rights, as outlined in the SA Constitution, with emphasis on social security and social protection for the most vulnerable, to reduce poverty and inequality. We believe the implementation of socio-economic rights demands open, transparent, and accountable governance (state, corporate, and civil society). Read more...
We currently implement three programmes, namely:
"To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. To impose on them a wretched life of hunger and deprivation is to dehumanise them." -- Nelson Mandela
The book can be ordered through:
https://www.hsrcpress.ac.za/order-our-books,
Lynne Rienner Publishers Hands Off Our Granks Book
https://redshelf.com/app/ecom/book/2148589/hands-off-our-grants-2148589-9781928246565-black-sash
Directly from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and is also available at scholarly books.
Make Your Voice Heard!
Join more than 300,000 people who have added their voice to the call for permanent Basic Income Support for those aged #18to59years with little to no income.
BASIC INCOME SUPPORT FOR THOSE AGED #18TO59
Unemployment, poverty and inequality have been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. This crisis is not temporary and a more extensive social security programme is needed to complement job creation programmes.
Government is constitutionally obligated under Section 27 of the Constitution to progressively realise the right to social assistance for those unable to support themselves. Government also ratified the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This human rights Covenant recommended that government ensures that “those between the ages of 18 and 59 with little or no income have access to social assistance” and consider a universal basic income grant for everyone.
The Black Sash demands that government:
- Immediately increase the reinstated Covid-19 SRD grant to at least the Food Poverty Line, currently R624 until social assistance for the unemployed is made permanent
- Implement permanent income support for those aged 18 to 59 years with little to no income, valued at the upper-bound poverty line, currently R1 335 per month. Unemployed Caregivers, who receive the Child Support Grant, must also qualify;
- Make the Covid-19 increases of R250 per month permanent for all grants
- Ensures that refugees, permanent residents, asylum seekers and migrant workers with special permits also qualify and receive their grant; and
- Work towards a universal basic income for all!
Latest News
Article: My Mother Against Apartheid - By Susan Collin Marks (Spring 2021 Edition of Reinventing Home)
