The Maternal Support Grant (MSG), aimed at addressing maternal and child malnutrition, has been in the making for over a decade in South Africa. Despite strong evidence supporting its effectiveness and recommendations from the South African Law Reform Commission, the government has not yet implemented the grant. Concerns over cost, dependency, and policy alignment have led to delays, but civil society groups argue for its urgent implementation, citing the need to address malnutrition. Deputy Executive Director for Grow Great Campaign, Nicola Stofberg, elaborates.
The MSG Advocacy Coalition — a collective of NGOs and researchers who have long been calling for stronger social protections for poor and vulnerable pregnant women — is concerned about the continued delays in the policymaking process.
