South Africa, September 30, 2021: A new launch at the 6th Annual Decent Standard of Living Colloquium today demonstrates that there are 34 Socially Perceived Necessities defined as needs, common to the majority of South Africans from all walks of life, to achieve a dignified life for all.

The Decent Standard of Living Measure, first piloted in 2006, was conducted telephonically among a representative sample in five South African provinces over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. It determined that South Africans across a spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds viewed 21 Socially Perceived Necessities (SPNs) as a benchmark for a decent standard of living. 

Guest on the line: Dr Nqobile Zulu, Research Manager at Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute.