JOHANNESBURG - Dependence on government support has expanded dramatically over the past two decades.
The share of individuals receiving social grants climbed from 12.8% in 2003 to 30.9% by 2019, before spiking to 40-point-1-percent last year.
This sharp rise is largely attributed to the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant.
It was introduced as a temporary measure, but has since become a lifeline for millions facing unemployment and rising living costs.
According to the latest General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa,
the proportion of households receiving at least one grant increased from 30.8% in 2002 to over 50% last year.