The influence of social security system on poverty alleviation in Makhado Municipality

Abstract

The overall aim of this study isto evaluate the impact of social security on poverty alleviation in rural areas of Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province.Poverty is most stressing social problem in Makhodo Local Municipality of Limpopo province. The Department of Social Development Business Plan (2013:3) supports this by a statement which says "poverty is distributed unevenly among the nine provinces of the country. The government has expended resources for the poverty alleviation programmes with so little achievement because poverty is continuing to be one of South Africa's burning social problems. The study was employed a mixed methods research design. This involves concurrent triangulation strategy which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Quantitative techniques were mostly used in that they provided the researcher with an understanding of experiences and impact of social security on poverty alleviation in rural areas of Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. A simple random and purposive sample was used for selection of a sample population. Random sampling was done to the Household Head as well as the LED project member whereby selection of the sampling will be done randomly in the form of questionnaire distribution. A purposive sampling technique was employed in selection study participants of qualitative method. Purposeful sampling was done to the municipal officials, ward committees as well as traditional leaders. The interview data was transcribed, coded and then themes were looked for in the coded data. Data was obtained through questionnaires and interview. Data from questionnaires was analysed by means of using tables and figures. The data was entered from the spreadsheet was exported to the SPSS so that it could be analysed to yield the results. The findings revealed that some of the caregivers misuse the grant and do not utilise it in the best interest of children. Thus, the grant is sometimes not spent on the things it is intended for. Instead, it is utilised for gambling, and for purchasing alcohol. It was therefore recommended that the there is need for South Africa to develop a comprehensive system of social protection which were enable caregivers to receive support in their own right. This would serve to ensure that the social grant is used specifically to meet the needs of children.