R20 child grant increase sees Mbalula arguing about nappies

“Respect women!” chided Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula at one person on Twitter who suggested that an increase in child grants would cause an increase in young “kids” giving birth to “kids”.

Mbalula didn’t take lightly to this comment, and told the Twitter user that no woman has children because they want social grants, a criticism that is often levelled at all countries that offer citizens welfare.

“These mahala [free] things are not good. More kids to breed other kids,” said user Unemployed_GRAD ‏@Buxx_B, who was referring to Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s announcement that there would be a small increase in the amounts disbursed through social grants.

“Chief, think because ukhamisa utyhale – no woman gets kids for a social grant. Raising a child is way more expensive,” the minister responded, and he received support from user on his timeline. The user hit back by saying “That’s when you work together with your partner and plan. Once a child is born, freedom is gone. Fees, nappies, etc. Why make 1 [?]”.

Delivering his budget speech on Wednesday afternoon, the finance minister announced that child support grants would increase by R20 to R380 a month. The minister also said the old age grant would increase by R90 to R1 600 a month.

Gordhan said: “Income growth has been uneven – the bottom 20 per cent have benefited from social grants and better access to services, the top 20 per cent have benefited from the rising demand for skills and pay increases. Those in the middle have been left behind.

“Honourable members, social assistance grants provide income support to the most vulnerable in our society. These will be increased in April to compensate for consumer price inflation.