“For one to apply for this grant, you have to go online. So, my question is, what about the people that don't have access to online? And they don't have data because most people lost their jobs. And what about the elderly? How are they going to apply for this grant, where they don't have smartphones, like us? So, I feel like how they did it did was not fair” (Sabelo, Cape Town).
- More localised delivery channels would lead to a fairer, less politicised distribution of government grants. Use grass roots organisations and community leaders, who are in a good position to identify, register and distribute grants (and information about grants) to those who most need support.
- Simple and transparent processes for applying for grants, such as having a physical, rather than online space for registration embedded into the community (e.g. a mobile office), would overcome lack of access to smart phones, insufficient mobile phone data, or technological abilities necessary for registering for grants online.
- Door-to-door surveys and registration carried out as paid work by young people would provide employment for youth and also ensure that the most excluded and vulnerable people living in their communities are reached and their needs accounted for.
- Social media, grassroots organisations and community radio could be used to disseminate information about the grants.
- Social protection could be designed in a participatory manner.
- The gendered implications of grant stipulations - such as allocating the same amount to a man as to a woman with dependent children - also need to be considered.