Posted on July 14, 2022
Dr’s Adrino Mazenda and Tyanai Masiya, both senior lecturers in the School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) have contributed a book chapter in a new book on the socio-economic dynamics of COVID-19.
The new book, Socioeconomic Dynamics of the COVID-19 Crisis -Global, Regional, and Local Perspectives, published by Springer, provides an outlet for innovative research in all areas of economics.
According to Mazenda and Masiya, the policy briefs issued by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight some of the major concerns on the socio-economic dimensions derived from the pandemic.
They note that these concerns embrace a large arena, particularly fiscal stimulus plans for addressing poverty.
The pandemic constrained South Africa’s socio-economic sectors worsening poverty and inequality.
As a result, in April 2020, the government introduced a R500 billion economic and social relief package (ESRP) to cushion the population from poverty.
In their book chapter titled, 'The Effectiveness of the COVID-19 Economic and Social Relief Package (ESRP) as a Poverty Alleviation Strategy in South Africa', the authors explored the extent to which the ERSP strategy was adequate to address the poverty and food security challenges faced by the citizenry.
This chapter further explores the challenges the government faces in implementing the ERSG amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chapter concludes that; "COVID-19 created various induced income challenges. The problem of affordability remains apparent. Therefore, the country must continue to use all three social protection channels to combat poverty effectively. Beyond the COVID-19 short-term measures, there is a need for a long-term collaborative, national pro-poor strategy that can advance equitable access to food. A multi-stakeholder engagement platform can enhance food security and poverty reduction."
Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App