South Africa: Grant to Prevent Malnutrition Is in Limbo

Cabinet Delays Maternal Support Grant

The proposed Maternal Support Grant (MSG) has faced delays for over a decade. In 2024, Cabinet's Social Protection committee returned the proposal due to concerns about costs and dependency. Civil society groups argue that the grant is urgently needed to combat maternal and child malnutrition.

The MSG policy remains unresolved more than ten years after its initial proposal. Dr. Wanga Zembe from the South African Medical Research Council states that malnourished mothers increase risks for their children. These risks include low birth weight and chronic diseases later in life.

In South Africa, 29% of children under five are stunted. Additionally, 2.5 million children live in nutritionally insecure households. Civil society groups are urging the government to expedite monetary support for pregnant women. The current proposal suggests extending the existing Child Support Grant (CSG) to include this support.

However, progress seems slow. The Department of Social Development (DSD) confirmed that the draft MSG policy has not reached Cabinet yet. In November 2024, it was submitted but sent back for further revisions.

Department spokesperson Bathembu Futshane noted that there was no general support for the draft policy. The committee raised issues regarding poverty, unemployment, and inequality approaches. Recommendations included considering fiscal constraints and avoiding dependency on grants.

Civil society groups find this delay "deeply disappointing." The MSG Advocacy Coalition emphasizes that research on pregnancy support grants has strengthened over time. They highlight a gap in social security for pregnant women identified by the South African Law Reform Commission.

The coalition urges DSD to collaborate with other departments to resubmit the policy. They believe government-wide buy-in is essential, starting with the Presidency's involvement.

The MSG would cost between R1.89 billion and R3.26 billion annually but could save over R13 billion in public health costs by preventing complications from low birth weight.

Dr. Wanga Zembe stresses that nutritious food access is vital for pregnant women and their babies' survival. Poor maternal nutrition can have long-lasting effects on children's health and development.

Zembe warns that stunting negatively impacts cognitive development and school performance. She cites UNICEF's guidance on improving women's diets during pregnancy as crucial for better outcomes.

A 2024 Global Health Action review found conditional cash transfers improved child survival rates in Sub-Saharan Africa while unconditional transfers enhanced maternal well-being without requirements.

Nicola Eley from Grow Great campaign highlights that 25% of pregnant women in South Africa report going to bed hungry daily, affecting thousands of families' futures.

She emphasizes that the first 1,000 days are critical for a child's development; stunting can impair physical growth and brain function significantly.

Eley points out that people can only apply for child support grants after birth, delaying assistance until after critical developmental windows have passed.

Meanwhile, the MSG Advocacy Coalition disputes claims that the grant will incentivize pregnancy or create dependency issues.