Perceptions of the financial sustainability of an indigent policy in a selected municipality in the western cape, South Africa

Abstract

AUTHORS AbstractThe eradication of poverty is an important priority for the South African government. The Constitution makes provision for vulnerable households and, therefore, local government has to develop policies to address the needs of the poor. Municipalities developed and adopted Indigent Policies to ensure that the poor households have access to essential basic services. This led the researcher to investigate what challenges are related to the financial sustainability of the Indigent Policy in its implementation process at the City of Cape Town for the period from 2003 to 2016. This study followed a qualitative research approach. Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews. The participants were selected, because they had access to the most recent information that relates to the Indigent Policy.

Effectiveness of the indigent support policy on food insecurity in South Africa: Experiences from Matatiele Local Municipality

“…However, Barry and Whittal [ 89 ] also find that households are aware of the indigent policy and are making use of it. Even though Rodina and [ 50 ] find limited awareness of the indigent support program, even amongst marginalized urban communities, Schultz and Hendrickse [ 36 ] indicate that awareness of the indigent program is improved through processes such as a budgetary process encouraging public participation, public library notices, pamphlets, print and electronic media and by staff presentations in ward committees. Low levels of awareness will result in the low utilization of indigent support [ [38] , [39] , [40] ], and result in lower welfare effects.…”

“…eThekwini also has 300 L of daily free water, while Johannesburg bases free services on the poverty indices [ 35 ]. Equitable share is used to finance the indigent policy to assist poor households obtain services [ 36 ]. There are also food assistance programs instituted by the relevant municipalities.…”

“…However, this dependent on the financial viability of the municipality [ 37 ]. To qualify for indigent support in Western Cape for instance, municipalities target household that have a joint monthly income and/or property value of less than R3,500 (US$192.12) and R300,000 (US$1,6467.60), respectively [ 36 ].…”

“…Furthermore, there is no account as to how indigent programs can have direct and/or indirect effect on food security. In addition, most of the literature utilizes qualitative approaches also neglecting the impacts on food security [ 36 , 51 ]. The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the indigent support policy on food insecurity, taking Matatiele Local Municipality in South Africa as a case.…”