A new study shows that the majority of mothers and caregivers delayed applying for the grant in the first three months, a critical period for brain, body, and immune system development. Image: Lombe K/Pexels

For many mothers in Langa, delaying a Child Support Grant (CSG) application is not a choice. A University of the Western Cape (UWC) study found that most mothers and caregivers interviewed waited beyond their babies’ first three months to apply due to barriers ranging from childcare and cultural practices, to concerns about their babies’ well-being and difficulties obtaining essential documents.

The study findings show that for some mothers, taking a newborn to a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office is a concern in itself. Some expressed worry that exposing a very young baby to harsh weather, public spaces and long journeys could make their babies sick. Some believe they should wait until the baby is older or has reached certain milestones, such as waiting for the umbilical cord to fall off, before venturing out of their homes.

UWC Master of Public Health student Inathi Maxhakana – supervised by Dr Thubelihle Mathole and Prof Wanga Zembe-Mkabile from the School of Public Health (SOPH) – explored why mothers and primary caregivers delayed applying for the Child Support Grant (CSG), despite it being one of South Africa’s largest social protection programmes. Prof Zembe-Mkabile is also a Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

Lead researcher Inathi Maxhakana. Image: Supplied

Maxhakana interviewed 30 mothers and primary caregivers in Langa whose children were under six years. Most only applied after three months. Existing research shows that receiving the CSG within the first three months of life can help protect children against stunting during the critical first 1000 days. The first 1000 days, or the first two years, are important in child health, as this period presents a unique window of opportunity when the brain, body and immune system develop faster than at any other time in life, laying the permanent foundation for future health, learning and success. South Africa has more than 13 million children receiving the CSG, with national uptake estimated at around 80%. However, uptake among children younger than one remains below 50%, with many mothers only applying several months after giving birth.

The latest research found that childcare arrangements are difficult to navigate, with some mothers reporting that they are sometimes forced to wait until they can find someone to assist with the baby before applying for a social grant. Cultural practices also influence the timing of applications, with some mothers reporting that they have to observe traditions of remaining indoors for the first week or two after childbirth and avoiding public spaces during this period. Although this period is generally shorter than three months, the study found that many mothers ultimately delay their applications for much longer.

Long queues are a major obstacle, with some mothers reporting that they had to wake up as early as 3am or 4am to stand a chance of being helped. Some even paid other people to queue on their behalf or borrowed money to do so.

Documentation is another significant barrier. Mothers reported difficulties obtaining identity documents, birth certificates and proof of employment or unemployment. In some cases, they were asked for additional documents that were difficult or costly to obtain. The application process itself was also described as confusing by some study participants, who reported that they sometimes stood in the wrong queue for hours, only to discover that they needed to start again or return another day.

For some mothers, the experience is not only frustrating, but frightening, with some fearing being robbed or attacked on their way to the SASSA offices. The study also found that understaffing and technical problems, including periods when the system is offline, disrupts services and causes some applicants to return home without completing their applications, further contributing to delays.

Maxhakana argues that improving access requires more than simply encouraging mothers to apply; clearer application procedures and sufficient staffing at SASSA would encourage mothers to apply on time.

“These findings point out the need to develop new strategies to help reduce the existing barriers. Ensuring early birth registration and document linkage between SASSA and the Department of Labour helps to reduce barriers to documentation. These strategies could ensure a better and smoother application for CSG applicants,” Maxhakana concluded.