'The community comes to life': How Social Grants Enable Participation in the Local Economy and Possible Effect on Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in Soweto South Africa. Issue 3 (2nd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nnaeme, Chibuikem Charles
• Is Part Of: Forum for development studies. Volume 49:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 493
• Page End: 510
• Publication Date: 2022-09-02
• Subjects: social grants -- participation -- post-COVID-19 economic recovery -- local economy -- Soweto -- South Africa; Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/08039410.2022.2085167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-9410

Abstract

Abstract : South Africa has an extensive social grant program reaching over 45 percent of the population and which has mitigated high poverty in the post-apartheid epoch. Yet the impacts on urban poor community economic activities are yet to be duly appreciated. As the major capital injection into the local economy amidst a high rate of poverty and unemployment, the fund serves as the catalyst that enables both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries to participate in economic activities. A qualitative study was carried out in Soweto to explore linkages between social grants and participation in local economic activities. The findings show a strong nexus between social grants and participation in local economic activities. The key relevance of this study rests on its evidence-based suggestion of the positive impact of social grants on post-COVID-19 economic recovery, especially in poor urban communities such as Soweto.