The Global Reformed Advocacy Platform for Engagement (GRAPE) in South Africa, advocating for a Universal Basic Income Guarantee (UBIG), has gained the full endorsement of South African churches. The advocacy campaign in South Africa aims to provide essential income support to adults aged 18-59 as a vital response to the severe poverty, unemployment, and inequality affecting millions across the country.

In a statement released recently, GRAPE underscored that implementing a UBIG would not only secure dignity but also promote economic fairness for South Africa’s most vulnerable populations. The call comes in light of widespread hunger and unmet basic needs that plague the nation.

“This is yet a great sign of hope, that the church is really in the driving seat and at the forefront of supporting the Basic Income Grant, but also of supporting the dignity of every South African for a promise of a decent life,” said Muna Nassar, executive secretary for mission and advocacy at the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).

This week, the Pretoria High Court will hear a significant case on October 29-30, filed by the Institute for Economic Justice and #PayTheGrants, represented by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute. GRAPE supports this case, which aims to challenge critical issues surrounding SRD access. The case highlights procedural barriers, such as the restrictive online-only application process and low-income eligibility thresholds, which disqualify many individuals struggling to meet their basic needs. Alarmingly, these barriers have left nearly half of the target population—adults living below the food poverty line—unable to access this critical support. Additionally, the case seeks to raise the grant amount to better reflect inflation, allowing recipients to meet their fundamental needs.

“A Universal Basic Income is fundamental to ensuring dignity for millions of South Africans, It would provide a foundation for equitable and sustainable development across the nation.” stated Archbishop Thabo Makgoba.

GRAPE, as an advocacy training program of the WCRC, collaborates with its member churches in South Africa to establish an inclusive platform that bridges ecumenical, interfaith, and civil society realms in support of this advocacy campaign. GRAPE is committed to exploring every avenue, leaving no stone unturned, to discover innovative and transformative methods of engagement, aspiring to be prophetic witnesses for positive change.

The press statement is endorsed by the following member churches of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC):

• Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA)
• Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA)
• United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA)
• Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NGK)
• Calvin Protestant Church (CPC) of South Africa
• Rhenish Church South Africa (RCSA)

For more information, please refer to the official statement: here