South Africa's Top Court Steps in to Save the Poor

Three in every 10 South Africans - 17 million of the country's poorest people - receive small social grants from the government which help them to survive. But a combination of government incompetence, private sector greed and suspected corruption forced South Africa's highest court to step in, dictate the terms of a private-public sector contract and ensure that grant recipients will receive their money from April. Writers for The Conversation Africa examine different facets of the crisis.

Protesters press for the payment of social grants. South Africa's Constitution includes "second generation" human rights such as the right to food, shelter, education and health services.

Bathabile Dlamini, left, South Africa's Social Development Minister, is at the centre of the social grants crisis. President Jacob Zuma has so far refused to fire her.

Constitutional Court judges, seen entering their court room during the case involving social grants, have called on Bathabile Dlamini to give reasons why she should not pay the legal costs of the case out of her own pocket.

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