A comparative study of the present and proposed South African child grant systems with countries of similar social and economic environments

South Africa is a large country with large needs; there are many social problems such as poverty that need to be addressed. Children in South Africa are affected by many of these social problems, such as malnutrition, poverty, and HIV / Aids. This research looks at what is being done for children in South Mrica; it looks specifically at the child grants or money given to children by the state. In reviewing the South African child grant system, it was appropriate to compare it with different countries. This was done using a comparative, cross-cultural and cross-national study. Countries, whose social and economic situations are similar to South Africa, have been chosen for an analysis to determine whether South Africa's present system is effective. The countries were selected based on a comparison of the GDP and literacy rates. Canada and Botswana were also studied in this research: Canada as a developed country example, and Botswana as a country with a similar heritage to South Africa. There has been much criticism of the South African social administration for children; this has prompted a major reflection thereof. This has been assessed in this research as another possibility in helping to provide for children. The aim of this research was to compare the South African child grant system to that of other countries, and analyse the proposed new grant system for South Africa. The analysis was completed using a framework of questions designed to extract information for comparison. The results indicate that South Africa should consider prioritising the child grant system specifically in terms of funding. The proposed child grant system could eventually be applied; however presently South Africa does not have the infrastructure to put the system in place. A closer look at Portugal's social administration could prove informative as they already have this system in place. This research is an analysis and interpretation of the available materials. This is a limited view, which opens possibilities for future research.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Social Development

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Mayhew, Tracy Clare

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7888

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/7888