Institutions and Policy Change: the Developmentof the Child Support Grant in South Africa

Author: Leon Schreiber, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Political and Social Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin

Abstract:It is widely accepted that the Child Support Grant (CSG) has become one of South Africa’s flagship instruments in combating poverty and inequality sinceits introduction in 1998. UNICEF (2012) regards it as “an exemplary model of asocial cash transfer programme” that contributed to the development of arefashioned social protection system. The language of exceptionalism andsignificant change emerged in the context of the transition to democracy,with the incoming government emphasising the importance ofimplementing transformative policies.

Keywords:Institutions, Policy Change, Development, Child Support, South Africa
Publication Date:
Type/Issue:One Pager/257
ISSN:2318-9118