Civil Society Organisations’ Advocacy in Policy Reform: The Case of the Child Support Grant During COVID-19 Lockdown (Level 5: 26 March 2020 – 30 April 2020), in South Africa

Abstract

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is one of South Africa’s most successful social security programmes to eradicate poverty among children. Since its inception, the CSG has enhanced the capacity of children and their caregivers to take control of their living conditions. Civil society organisations (CSOs) are well known for their contributions to policy reform. This study aimed to explore the strategies employed by CSOs in advocating for the CSG top-up during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. The study adopted an interpretative approach and qualitative methodology. Desktop research was utilised with a sample of relevant primary and secondary documents selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data was collected from academic books, journals, government documents, government legislation, newspaper articles, and reports from government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and research institutes. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. The key finding is that advocacy strategies such as evidence-based research, media campaigns, online petitions, letter submissions, and coalitions were employed by CSOs to pressure the government to top up the CSG. The study concludes that virtual consultative platforms should be recognised as effective spaces for policy advocacy.